MP backs a returnof the traditionalfootball terraces

DUP MP Gregory Campbell has pressed for the re-introduction of terracing at English Premier League grounds.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell wants the re-introduction of terracDUP MP Gregory Campbell wants the re-introduction of terrac
DUP MP Gregory Campbell wants the re-introduction of terrac

The East Londonderry MP raised the matter with the Minister of Sport, Helen Grant, at Westminster.

Mr Campbell asked the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he would “discuss with the Football Association the development of safe standing areas in Premiership Club grounds.”

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Mrs Grant, under whose aegis the matter falls, replied: “I am happy to discuss this, but the Government remains committed to the all-seater policy.

“We remain of the belief that all-seater stadiums are the safest and best way for fans to watch football and have brought a more diverse audience to the game in the last 20 years.”

Terraces were for a century common features of stadia in the top flight of English football.

That was until the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster recommended their being phased out completely.

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However, over recent years there has been growing support for their re-introduction in England.

Manchester City and Aston Villa are amongst the big English clubs understood to be in favour of a return to terracing.

Borussia Dortmund, the biggest club in Europe in terms of turnstile revolutions, provides safe terracing for around 20,000 supporters at its Westfalenstadion.