Safe standing at Oakwell could soon be on the cards at Barnsley as they have applied for a permit for its introduction. Norwich City have officially confirmed that safe standing will be introduced at Carrow Road for the 2024/25 season.
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Safe Standing at Oakwell
On February 8, an official club statement by Barnsley said: “We can confirm that we are in the process of submitting applications to the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) for the provision of a section of rail seating (safe standing) in the Norman Rimmington South Stand.”
The decision came after the club’s first ever fan advisory group meeting, where the issue of safe standing was prominent in the discussion.
Safe Standing at Carrow Road
Norwich have announced that they are putting safe standing in place in the Lower Barclay, Thorpe Corner (Snake Pit) and a section of the away supporter area after this current season.
Norwich City executive director Zoe Webber said: “Safe standing is something we’ve been keen to implement at Carrow Road for some time, but it was important that we properly consulted our wider fanbase and the relevant safety authorities.
“We’ve had some very engaging conversations with supporter groups and official supporter panel, as well as some important feedback from season ticket holders. We’d like to thank all of those that have engaged with the club throughout this process.”
The History of Safe Standing
Safe standing in English ground was approved by the Government in July 2022, in time for the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
Clubs with newer and more modern stadiums, such as Brentford, Chelsea, Cardiff City, Wolves, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, have already adopted rail seating in their home and away ends.
Oakwell was built in 1888, however, this application highlights that even the older grounds can adopt safe standing.
Luton Town announced in January that they are planning to introduce rail seats at Kenilworth Road, a similarly old-fashioned ground. The Hatters are aiming to introduce safe standing in their stadium in both the home and away sections by the end of February.
Track proposed applications for safe standing
Stand United, an independent organisation run by Sheffield United fans, have produced a safe standing tracker highlighting which EFL and Premier League clubs have introduced rail seating at their grounds.
You can see the updated tracker here.
On their website, Stand United said: “Safe standing can provide more space, an enhanced atmosphere, and greater safety where fans already stand in seated areas. Clubs are increasingly introducing safe standing, and it’s the right time for United to join them.
“We believe the club needs to commit to introducing safe standing at the Lane at the earliest opportunity, start planning for its introduction with fan groups, and refine based on the experience of seeing them in use.”