Some Bristol City fans have reacted positively to the club’s recent announcement that they plan to “introduce rail/barrier seating” in Ashton Gate’s South Stand from the 2020/21 season.
The Robins’ official website explains that the proposed changes that are set to be made to Ashton Gate’s South Stand would be made in order to facilitate the wishes of “a number of supporters” who wish to stand at games.
Bristol City have been one of the most proactive clubs in England when it comes to introducing ‘safe standing’ areas to their ground in recent times. As reported by the BBC, the Robins initially planned to “become the first club in the United Kingdom to install rail seats” back in 2014.
The Robins’ recent announcement of their intentions to introduce rail/barrier seating by the 2020/21 season, as stated by bristolpost.co.uk, would see them become “the first Championship side to introduce ‘safe standing’”. Some Bristol City fans have reacted with joy to the news of the club’s stadium plans on social media. Read the positive reactions of some Robins fans to this news in the tweets below.
Plans are underway to introduce rail/barrier seating in sections of the South Stand at @ashtongatestad from the 2020/21 season!#BristolCity
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) February 19, 2020
Great news this!
— Bristol City FC Supporters Page (@BCFC_Supporters) February 19, 2020
This isn't for me but i know so many fans want to stand at football so it's brilliant news for them ??
— Chris (@ccama15) February 19, 2020
Well in
— adam (@adamrobins0n1) February 19, 2020
Fair play ??
— Jordan (@ItsSmiiiiittth) February 19, 2020
Class
— Ben (@bengrice1999) February 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/chrishardwell/status/1230191691266654213
https://twitter.com/Wayne08/status/1230176829568405505
What do we think?
Bristol City and their original application “to the local safety advisory group to consider the possibility of introducing safe standing” were central to a 2018 parliamentary debate on safe standing in football, as reported by bristolpost.co.uk. That debate ultimately “ended with sports minister Tracey Crouch commissioning an official review into safe standing”.
It may be fair to say that Bristol City have played an important role in the introduction of ‘safe standing’ areas into English football. It may be fitting for the Robins faithful to become the first set of fans in the Championship to install a ‘safe standing’ area.