Sport · Swindon
Swindon Town fans face potential new stadium restrictions over standing concerns
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Supporters and club officials are set to meet this week to address safety concerns regarding persistent standing in the Town End at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
Swindon Town football fans could face further restrictions in the Town End following a formal request from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) regarding persistent standing during matches. The club is scheduled to meet with supporter groups this week to discuss a resolution to the ongoing safety concerns raised by the body.
Since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, supporters aged under 18 have been prohibited from sitting in sections T1 and T2 of the Town End. The club has consistently cited safety issues relating to surges during goal celebrations as the reasoning behind this measure. These restrictions have remained in place for the current campaign, despite concerns from some long-term supporters regarding the atmosphere at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
The current situation follows a letter sent by the chair of the SAG to the club, which reportedly demands action to address the issue of supporters remaining on their feet for the duration of matches. While safe standing has been discussed as a potential long-term solution and has been integrated into the stadium masterplan, its implementation is not an immediate possibility.
TrustSTFC, the club's supporters' trust, has confirmed that it remains actively engaged in discussions. In a statement, the group noted: "We have not seen the letter, but we understand that the Chair of the Safety Advisory Group has written to the club demanding action in relation to persistent standing in the Town End. A meeting between the club and supporter groups has been scheduled for this week, and we will update supporters as soon as we are able."
The Trust has continued to press for greater fan representation on the SAG, citing recommendations from the Hillsborough report by Lord Justice Taylor. As the club works towards a long-term solution, supporters have expressed frustration over existing measures, which also include a ban on ticket sales in sections A6U and A6L of the Arkell’s Stand, an area adjacent to the away end.
With the meeting set to take place on October 9, fans are awaiting clarity on whether further measures will be introduced at the stadium. Swindon Town CEO Anthony Hall previously confirmed that current restrictions were necessary to satisfy safety requirements, a stance that remains a point of contention for many match-going fans.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Sport · View original