It's been a long road back for standing areas in elite football stadiums in the UK, but in September 2021, the government gave the green light for safe standing trials in the EFL and Premier League.
Following several successful trials in 2021/22, it was revealed in the summer of 2022 that clubs would be allowed to install permanent safe-standing sections within their stadiums.
Due to supporters' demand, many EFL and Premier League clubs have wasted little time installing safe-standing sections. Installation is relatively cheap and doesn't take a lot of time, so it hasn't taken long for these railing areas to become commonplace at elite stadiums across the country.
Most importantly, clubs that install safe standing in their stadiums must adhere to strict regulations, which include advanced training for stewards and increased CCTV capabilities.
The guide below provides an updated list of the clubs in England that have safe standings areas in their stadiums and which are still yet to take action.
Football grounds with safe standing: Updated UK list
Premier League
So far, several English Premier League stadiums, including Wembley, have installed safe-standing rails.
- Aston Villa – 1,000 capacity in the away end (Doug Ellis Stand) and 2,500 capacity in the upper Holte End.
- Bournemouth – A block in the away end and a selection of blocks in the North Stand.
- Brentford has a 5,112 capacity in the West End and 1,700 capacity in the away end.
- Chelsea – Matthew Harding lower and Shed End Upper and Lower.
- Ipswich Town – Upper Cobbold stand
- Liverpool – Rows 6-33 in the away end and plans to install rail seating in the Kop this season.
- Manchester City – Lower tier, South Stand.
- Manchester United – 1,500 capacity in the Stretford End and 2,500 capacity in the away end.
- Newcastle United – South East corner and away end.
- Nottingham Forest – Upper and lower Bridgford and block in the away end.
- Southampton – Initial 2,500 capacity and plans for more in the Northam stand.
- Tottenham has 7,000 capacity at the home end and 3,000 at the away end.
- Wolves – 5,553 capacity in the Sir Jack Hayward, 2,115 capacity in the Stan Cullis stand and 585 capacity in the away end.
EFL
Several England Championship clubs have also installed safe-standing rails.
- AFC Wimbledon – South Stand
- Birmingham City – 3,000 capacity in the Lower Tilton stand and the away end.
- Burnley – Four blocks in the Cricket Field Stand and a small section in the away end.
- Cardiff City – 1,339 capacity in the Canton stand and the away end.
- Charlton Athletic – Upper Covered End.
- Coventry City – 900 capacity in the away end and 1,800 capacity in the home end.
- Derby County – South Stand Upper and away end.
- Lincoln City – GBM Stand.
- Luton Town – Away end only.
- Norwich City – Lower Barclay, Thorpe Corne and the away end.
- Peterborough United – Weston Homes London Road End
- Portsmouth – Milton End and Fratton End.
- QPR – 1,000 capacity in the home end.
- Shrewsbury – South Stand: They were the first club to introduce safe standing in the UK.
- Stoke City – Caldwell Construction Stand Upper and the southeast corner.
- Sunderland – Roker End and North Stand Upper.
- Swansea City – 1,400 capacity for home fans and 500 capacity for away fans.