Most fans at Football League clubs want to be given the option of safe standing at matches, a major EFL survey has revealed. The response to the questionnaire garnered more than 33,000 responses, making it the biggest ever response to a fan survey, with 94 per cent of them wanting the option to choose between standing or seating.
More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of supporters said they would rather stand than sit during games, with only 22 per cent claiming they preferred to sit.Nearly half of the respondents said they would attend more football matches if standing was available, with standing most popular amongst the under-35 age group (84 per cent).The survey was released ahead of the Parliamentary debate on 25th June about the introduction of safe standing following a petition signed by more than 100,000 people.
“Football supporters clearly want the option to stand at football matches and we see absolutely no reason why they should not be allowed the choice to have the match day experience they want,” EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said.
“The safety of all fans attending football matches is the number one priority and we very much understand why the issue of standing at football matches is sensitive and the concerns that the Government may have in terms of changing the legislation.“However, it is the view of the EFL that the current legislation is not appropriate, with some League One and League Two Clubs allowed standing areas in their stadiums but others not.”