Celtic becomes 1st British club to introduce safe-standing areas

Celtic is bringing back the terraces.

On Wednesday, Celtic's chief executive Peter Lawwell announced the Hoops will become the first British club to introduce safe-standing areas of rail seating, as a section of Celtic Park will accommodate some 2,600 supporters with such areas.

Safe-standing areas are popular across Europe but remain a controversial idea in the United Kingdom due to the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which resulted in the introduction of all-seater stadiums. The Football Spectators Act 1989 requires supporters attending fixtures in the top two divisions of English football to be seated.

"We have worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that permission has finally been granted," Lawwell said, according to Sky Sports. "Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches. This is something we must accept and manage and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches.

"The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Celtic's primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters and this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches.

"Rail seating has been in place in European football for some time and there has been considerable demand for some form of safe standing within the UK and particularly from our supporters. We are sure the rail seating section will prove very popular with supporters and we look forward to its introduction."

Extensive dialogue between Celtic, relevant authorities, and supporters have been ongoing for the past five years. Dr. Steve Frosdick, an independent safety expert, heralded the Hoops' confirmation as "a great day for the club and its fans."