The introduction of safe standing areas could create new safety problems in football grounds, according to Noel Jeffs, an expert in stadium operations and a former general manager of Wembley Stadium.
This month the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) confirmed that six clubs will trial safe standing areas in the Premier League and Championship from the new year. The decision follows lengthy campaigning by fan groups and years observing behaviour at a select number of grounds across the UK and Europe.
However, Jeffs has called the new rules into question, in particular over a decision to set safety standards lower than those required by regular building standards. Under building regulations, crush barriers must be …