Celtic have been given clearance to install a "safe standing" area at Celtic Park. It will be achieved through the installation of a rail seating system that could potentially be in place for the start of the 2016/17 season. The proposed section will hold 2,600 supporters to begin with. It is great news for Celtic who have been in talks for five years with UK authorities about introducing these measures.
Peter Lawwel, Celtic Chief Executive has said:
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.
The system works in a a similar way to assigned seating but the seat folds away and each fan stands in their own space behind a waist-high rail. This system has been used successfully across Europe for years and it will be very interesting to see developments in England and whether or not any Premier League teams adopt this approach.
(via: celticfc.net)
