Tottenham among clubs to hold trials for safe standing from next year

In a significant development, Tottenham are among a number of clubs that will hold trials for safe standing in their stadium (h/t Express). The trials will allow supporters to stand and watch the game for the first time in 25 years as the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) completed its review for the same.

The top two tiers of English football have not had standing arrangements since 1989. That was when the tragic Hillsborough disaster took place. During the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, one of the pens in the stadium collapsed due to overcrowding. 96 people lost their lives after the incident and since then, stadiums did away with standing.

However, with fans standing regardless of regular seats, talks had taken place in recent years over the reintroduction of standing arrangements. In 2018, the SGSA guidance was updated so that clubs could install standing seats. Over time, clubs have begun working with local authorities to do the same.

Now, with the review regarding safe standing being completed by the SGSA, they will provide guidelines for the same. Clubs among the top two tiers will be asked if they will participate in the trials. Tottenham are among the several clubs that will try out those arrangements from January should they submit an application to do so by 6th October.

More Tottenham Hotspur News

• Nuno Espirito Santo opens up on the issues with Tottenham star Harry Kane

• Tottenham duo Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn doubtful for next two games

• Transfer News: Barcelona enter the race for Tottenham target Franck Kessie

These were perhaps necessary steps given fans keep standing in the stadiums which would have eventually caused problems. The new arrangements would allow those wishing to stand during games a much more enjoyable experience.