CELTIC HAVE BEEN granted permission to install ‘safe standing’ areas at their Celtic Park home, the Scottish champions announced on Tuesday.
An area of rail seating – robust, fold-up seats built into a high metal rail — able to accommodate 2,600 supporters has been approved and could be installed in time for the start of the 2016-17 season.
‘Safe standing’ is common in Austria and Germany, but it has faced opposition in Britain from the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who were crushed to death on standing terraces at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
“Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that this permission has finally been granted,” Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club’s website.
“The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches.
“This is something we must accept and manage and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches.
“Celtic’s primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters — this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches.”
