The aftermath of the Taylor report in 1989 led to the closure of traditional terraces and the requirement for most football stadiums to install seats. Regardless of the weather fans were forced to sit as they watched their team. Prices increased and atmosphere decreased as a consequence.
A campaign grew in the hope that the authorities would accept that the safe standing systems widely seen in Europe would be appropriate in the UK. The matter was brought to Parliament in 2006 and in 2011 the SPL agreed a change of rules to allow their introduction. Neil Doncaster was quoted, “Since I joined the SPL in 2009, there has been widespread support amongst fans to re-introduce safe standing areas. I am delighted that we have been able to respond positively to supporters’ views on improving the match day experience.”
It has taken a further five years but Celtic have now concluded negotiations with Glasgow City Council and football fans will be able to stand to watch the game from purpose-built accommodation which is demonstrably safe.
There has been an acceptance by clubs that the over-zealous enforcement of the existing regulations provoked more of a risk to fans’ safety than the alternative and there is now a tacit agreement that supporters can stand in some sections of our stadiums. This practice has been widespread at the highest level of the game as tens of thousands regularly watch Scotland matches at Hampden on their feet. The notion that the same fans should be chided by stewards at any Premiership ground was a silly contradiction.
The rail system proposed at Celtic Park will accommodate 2,600 and will likely arrive at the start of the 2016/17 season.
The most recent statement from Fir Park on the issue came when Alan Burrows was asked by STV in March 2015. "Our view on ’safe standing’ in general is positive. We are certainly pro giving fans the option of either standing or sitting and indeed, I have personally met with supporters representatives in the last week about ways in which we can look at funding a project that takes that into account the full fan experience, with this particular subject high on the agenda. We want to be the most engaging, fan-friendly club we possibly can be.”
"The main issue for us, and possibly other clubs, is the costs involved. The area we would consider logical within our ground would probably require a significant amount of work to be able to facilitate the rail seating decks themselves, which is why if we were to do it, we would have to find clever ways, in partnership with our supporters and potential sponsors, that we could fund it."