Is safe standing a way forward? Ian Doyle examines the arguments

NOTEWORTHY events at Aston Villa have been few and far between during another dreary, uninteresting season for the Midlanders.

But there was good reason for football supporters on Merseyside to turn their attentions towards the second city last week as Villa officials opened discussions with supporters over the reintroduction of a standing terrace at Villa Park.

It represents the latest step in a campaign growing in momentum for the inclusion in the Premier League of what has become termed as ‘safe standing’.

Don Foster, MP for Bath, has tabled the Safe Standing (Football Stadia) Bill, which had a second hearing in Parliament last week after first being discussed more than a year ago.

The bill is being championed by the Football Supporters’ Federation, who have opened a petition calling for the return of terraces at Premier League grounds.

Already firmly established in Germany, the Scottish Premier League last month relaxed a ban on standing areas, a move that has been met enthusiastically by many clubs north of the border.

For obvious reasons, it’s a hugely sensitive subject in these parts. FSF have already held talks with Liverpool fans last summer as part of their Safe Standing Roadshow initiative.

And Peter Daykin, the FSF’s safe standing co-ordinator, claims there is support from fans in the city for a new type of terracing.

“The whole issue of Hillsborough is clearly extremely emotive and we understand and sympathise with Liverpool fans affected by the tragedy who prefer to sit,” says Daykin.

“We’re also realistic enough to know that however compelling the evidence, we’re never going to convince everybody that safe standing is a positive step forwards.

“On the other hand, the FSF’s campaign has had plenty of backing and support from fans of both top flight Liverpool clubs, including Hillsborough survivors.