Ex-Uefa official demands Government intervention after Tottenham development
The government should ensure Tottenham and other clubs who have safe standing areas have an adequate police presence.
That is the view of ex-Uefa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after it was confirmed Premier League and Championship clubs can introduce safe standing areas for the 2022-23 campaign.
Tottenham – along with Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Cardiff City – took part in a safe standing trial in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.
BBC Sport reported last week (4 July) that changes had been proposed to the Football Spectators Act to allow it to be expanded.
“I know why seating was brought in, we all know why seating was brought in.
“Let’s all acknowledge that, generally, it works. It did stop the surges and crowd misbehaviour generally. Although recently we have seen differently.
“If you’re standing it is easier to throw an object, it’s easier to hide and it’s certainly easier to leave your position and move to a different position in the stadium. It’s a risk.
“If you are going to have safe standing, I would like the government to say to clubs there has to be a certain amount of security or police to x number of people safe standing.
“There is a risk that supporters don’t respect the paid security people, they see them as part of the home team and not as independent.
“In fairness, the clubs do train them but if we have safe standing we have to improve security and that may well be a visible increase of police in the stadiums.
“The football authorities won’t like that because it costs money but they are trained to deal with conflict.”
In other news, a London club has made a move to sign a Tottenham 24-year-old after a green light from Antonio Conte.