Nick Blakely reveals his support for Safe Standing!
For the last decade or so, the match day atmosphere at many of the top flight clubs has become extremely flat. This is primarily due to the removal of terraces and stricter laws being enforced to limit standing at football matches. Supporters’ groups like “We Are the Shed” have done an excellent job in thinking of creative ways to improve the atmosphere in spite of this legislation. However, I believe that the introduction of safe standing is crucial to improving the atmosphere at the football stadiums in the Premier League.
The benefits of rail seating are astounding. It is a fact that when people are standing, they are more likely sing. The atmosphere at away fixtures is not a problem because everyone stands at the games anyway. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is the main issue. It is tough to start a chant when everyone is sitting. It’s just awkward when that one guy stands up and starts singing when everyone else is sitting down.
Another benefit of rail seating is the safety it provides. The sturdy railing prevents supporters from falling forward when a goal is scored or when something exciting occurs. The seats can be easily put up depending on the game or situation. Rail seating is practical and, we need to put pressure on our representatives to let them know that being able to stand at football is important.
The minister of sport, Tracey Crouch, recently called the support of safe standing, “A vocal minority”. With all due respect to Tracey Crouch, I think she is ignorant to the fact that many supporters are in favour of safe standing.
To ensure that this issue reaches parliament, I implore all Chelsea fans to sign the petition for safe standing on parliament’s petition website. There is no reason why safe standing should not be implemented.
Sign here: https://petition.parliament.uk/
What are your thoughts? Let us know!
Written by Nick Blakely – @CFCNicholas
