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English football club Manchester United have agreed to test seats with dividers for some fans before the public returns to the stadiums as anti-COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, Sky News reports.
The club will install 1,500 barriers with barriers between them, in one part of the stadium, to offer the possibility that a smaller section of fans can sit or stand while watching games.
The move will be tested in the northeast corner of Old Trafford Stadium to ensure fans in adjacent sections are not obstructed by those who choose to stop.
The club hopes to install the new fan seating model before the crowds are greeted again in the sports arenas, with the relaxation of anti-COVID-19 restrictions.
Club Managing Director Richard Arnold said: “It must be said from the beginning that our top priority is to keep our people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“It may seem strange to talk about the stadium’s plans right now, but football and our fans will be back when it’s safe enough, and our preparations for that time should continue in the background.”
We believe that the introduction of split seats will increase spectator safety in stadium areas where, as in other clubs, we have seen examples of people always standing.
If the attempt is successful, we could consider the extended implementation of the seats with dividers in other parts of the stadium, “he explained.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the first team in the English league, already have seats with safety barriers in their stadium.
The Hillsborough disaster of 1989, in which 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives during a Cup of England semifinal, led to a comprehensive change in the security of football stadiums and led to the exclusive use of seats.
But in recent years, a growing number of British club fans have questioned the success of split seats used in other leagues, especially in the Bundesliga in Germany, as a reason to rethink the use of safer seats. This is also an argument to create a more pleasant atmosphere in the stadiums.
The Trafford Council approved the test at Old Trafford, after the club and supporter groups worked together on the plan.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust said: “We are delighted that the club has given the go-ahead to test seats at Old Trafford.”
The Premier League season is currently suspended during quarantine.
According to Sky News, the English football season could resume in a few weeks, with matches being played behind closed doors.
Publisher: Alexandru Costea
