Mort may call for terraces at St James’s

Feb 10 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE are ready to listen to the opinions of their fans on the issue of introducing safe standing areas at Premier League grounds.

United chairman Chris Mort is understood to be frustrated at the prospect of being forced by safety authorities to cut ticket allocations for visiting teams if away fans continue to refuse to stay in their seats at St James’s Park.

Newcastle face the even more troubling possibility of being told by the safety authorities to remove seats currently filled by home fans adjoining the away end.

We revealed last week how Newcastle and Manchester United were appealing to travelling Red Devils fans to stay seated during the Premier League clash between the sides a week on Saturday, or risk consequences neither club would be able to avoid.

Newcastle would be forced to comply with any action deemed necessary by the club’s safety advisory group – chaired by Newcastle City Council – or risk the withdrawal of St James’s Park’s safety certificate.

And the Sunday Sun understands that United are willing to open a debate with fans and possibly other Premier League clubs and the Government on the issue of safe standing.

Although successive Sports Ministers – mindful of the emotive memories of Hillsborough – have resisted calls for the reintroduction of terraces, surveys suggest a significant majority of fans are in favour being given the choice of whether to stand or sit inside Premier League grounds.

And the widespread presence of safe-standing areas in Germany adds weight to their argument.