After the belated Webcameron-based story on medicinal use of Cannabis, the BBC has been quick to pick up on one this week about football terraces.
David Cameron was asked whether he supported the Early Day Motion that urges the Government to "re-examine the case for introducing small, limited sections of safe standing areas at football grounds".
Cameron responded very reasonably that "when" he was in Government he would ask his Sports Minister to look into reforming the rules, as other countries managed to have terraces in some form.
He did emphasise that safety was "priority number one" and that the tragedy in Hillsborough should be kept in mind but this is still, understandably, a very emotionally-charged issue in Liverpool and he is likely to take some flak for this statement as Kate Hoey did in 2000.
Deputy Editor
Well DC wouldn't be the first victim of the Elfin Safety lobby, nor the last.
I'm just amazed that all-seater stadiums don't actually come with obligatory seat-belts.
Posted by: Don Jameson | January 31, 2007 at 20:46
Real football supporters would welcome this.
Posted by: HF | January 31, 2007 at 21:01
Sad thing is you need a decent game, if your going to stand, at Uni our varsity games against the local polly see everyone standing (even though both the Rugby and Football grounds are seated) and its great... sadly been a while scince a saw LCFC put on a game worth standing for... but on the whole it's be good to have stadiums with standing areas, might help cut ticket prices as well.
Posted by: Ben Surtees | January 31, 2007 at 21:21
I'll be glad and happy to play against Manchester United without having to listen to their puerile fans shouting "stand up" every time they visit our ground. Can't they think of something better to do on a Saturday afternoon?
I quite enjoy sitting through a game, even though the ticket prices these days do not represent good value for money, any limited terracing should be available at a knockdown price, with the "populations" strictly controlled.
Posted by: Curly | January 31, 2007 at 21:45
This would be a retrograde step and is completely unnecessary. Football's rebirth from the dark and violent days of the 1980s to the billion pound industry it is today has been built on the back of rising attendances in all seater stadia. All-seater stadia have led to a family atmosphere at games with a much higher percentage of women and children attending matches.There have also not been any Hillsborough type incidents since that fateful day.Why put this in jeopardy?
Posted by: Duncan Flynn | January 31, 2007 at 22:21
I had the misfortune of being at Hillsborough in 1989 and I would be very nervous indeed about the return of terraces.
Clubs with passionate fans can still manage to create an atmosphere (I know I am biased but the sound from the Kop is still awe-inspiring) and there is much to be said for the family-friendly atmosphere that has developed over the past 10-15 years which has seen a marked decrease in violence and a massive improvement in the image of football (which has, in turn, generated the huge sums from sponsors).
Posted by: Donal Blaney | January 31, 2007 at 23:15
Football? Schnootball!
The soccer yobs can stand on their heads for all I care.
Anyway, I thought Shameron believed in Grandstanding?
Posted by: Zorro | February 01, 2007 at 08:28
Fantastic - bring back the terraces.
Posted by: Andy D | February 01, 2007 at 09:32
Football? Schnootball!
The soccer yobs can stand on their heads for all I care.
Anyway, I thought Shameron believed in Grandstanding?
Yes looks like he believes in Grandstanding Now!
Posted by: Curly | February 01, 2007 at 12:48
Well if DC wants to discuss the matter further, then he is welcome to make use of my spare season ticket at Selhurst Park, to come and discuss the issue with Palace supporters. So how about a visit to Selhurst Park Dave?
Posted by: Daniel H | February 01, 2007 at 22:05