Fans call for safe standing at the OS

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 8th August 2016

The lack of designated standing areas in the Olympic Stadium has caused a number of angry disagreements between West Ham supporters.

Although KUMB backed the introduction of 'safe standing' zones at the club's new home prior to its redevelopment - plans given the tacit approval of co-owner David Gold, who has previously advocated a similar option - these were eventually ignored.

And the consequence of that particular decision has been a series of ugly scenes between fans clashing as some have insisting on standing whilst watching the recent games with Domzale and Juventus, often to the detriment of other supporters seated nearby.

Last week, during the stadium's first game against Domzale, fans came close to blows in Block 131 during one such disagreement. And this was a scene replicated around the stadium with supporters used to standing at the Boleyn Ground now displaced around the OS, yet still determined to stand in their seats.

Unfortunately the chances of a re-think occurring at Board level anytime soon appear slim, given that vice-chairman Karren Brady unequivocally ruled out safe standing - which was recently (and successfully) introduced in the Scottish Premier League - during an interview with the Mail last month.

"This is our new home and we have done all that we can to make it as comfortable as possible for our supporters," she told Lee Clayton, who reported that a safe standing area was ruled out at an early stage on Brady's insistence. "I spent enough time standing as a kid when I couldn’t see to believe comfortable seating is the way forward," she said.



Brady with the Mail's Clayton at the OS


Unfortunately many children at the Olympic Stadium - in addition to elderly fans and those unable to stand for 90 minutes - have had their experiences spoilt by fellow fans standing in front of them.

One possible solution mooted, which has been backed by a number of fans posting on the KUMB Forum, is to allow fans to take part in a season ticket 'swap shop'. Here, those unhappy with their seat/view at the Olympic Stadium could change with fans in a similar situation; a solution welcomed by KUMB member Kludgehammer.

"It's going to be a mess until it settles down and could so easily have been avoided if the club had used a bit of common sense," he commented. "It could still be easily rectified if they apply it now - designate signing areas and allow seat swaps. I'm not holding my breath for it to be sorted this season, though."



I can't see clearly now: One fan's view


West Ham, as a club, is in a difficult position with the Olympic Stadium's regulations requiring all those in seats to be sitting. However human nature - and the sheer desire of some to stand during a match - often makes imposing that particular policy impossible.

At the Boleyn Ground, those wishing to stand eventually migrated towards the Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking Lower stands to be with like-minded folk. Whilst never officially 'allowed', the club sensibly recognised that some were determined to stand and tolerated this in certain areas (even though the occasional 'sit or leave' notice was bandied about at the behest of local authorities).

And it must be hoped that after some initial teething problems, the same will occur at the Olympic Stadium. Already the two lower stands behind each goal appear to be areas where large-scale standing will occur, as per the Boleyn.

West Ham confirmed recently that they recognised the problems some fans had experienced, and revealed they were liaising with arena staff regarding the best course of action.

"Supporters have remarked about persistent standing in certain areas of the ground, particularly in the East Stand," read an article on the club's website. "As a result, we have since had an extensive debrief with matchday stewards, who will be paying particularly close attention to the issue.

"This is a learning curve for us all at the new stadium and we hope to start as we mean to go on. We ask, therefore, that supporters are considerate of one another, particularly where supporters’ enjoyment of the game is being seriously hindered."

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