'Dear Mr. Green,
I am writing to propose to you an idea that many people have discussed in my social groups, involving seating at football grounds.
As you may be aware, one of the knee-jerk reactions to the tragic Hillsborough disaster in 1989 was the implication of all-seater stadia, focusing on Premier League stadia. Even though standing areas was only one of a number of factors that resulted in the disaster, laws were passed to make standing terraces almost illegal.
As a football fan, I have watched, as have many, the demise of our sport to what us fans call 'Modern Football'. This is a combination of many factors, including the Sky Sports takeover of the premier league, the inflation of ticket prices, brand clubs, Multi-millionaire takeovers and the transition of football as a spectator sport, like Tennis or Rugby. I do not like what Modern Football has done to fans, prejudging them as vicious and cult, when the majority of us only wish to express passion for our teams.
In Europe, there are terraces known as 'Safe Standing' areas, which have been proven to be beneficial for fans, manageable and efficient. A survey conducted by The Fighting Cock Podcast, popular among Spurs fans, which questioned over 2000 fans about Tottenham Hotspur, receiving very positive reactions to the proposal of safe standing at White Hart Lane, our football ground. The club responded to the survey saying that they couldn't implement safe-standing due to 'prevailing legislation', however they did say that if the 'legislation was repealed or amended', they would consider trials at White Hart Lane.
As a well respected Member of Parliament, I urge to propose the idea of repealing or amending legislation on standing terraces at football grounds. Other clubs like West Ham, Aston Villa and Arsenal have all stated they would be positive to safe standing at football grounds, as they too wish to benefit fans and their clubs.
The majority of fans are no longer violent and partisan towards rivals as they used to be many years ago. My Dad told me the reason he became disillusioned by visiting White Hart Lane. He told me how Millwall fans used to chuck bricks over the metal fence dividing the home fans and the away fans. One of his friends was seriously injured by these assaults. A small minority of fans wish to tarnish the reputation of football fans, resulting in the prejudice towards us.
All I want to do is improve the experiences of English fans supporting Premier League clubs. I see images and videos of European games, where the fans do not stop singing for all the 90 minutes, and the unity and passion expressed at games are like no other. Modern Football has seen the decline of these experiences in Britain. However, with a change in legislation, you can bring Premier League football back to its former glory and respect.
Please consider my request in your busy schedule. I would be very grateful.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Walczak.
(Link to The Fighting Cock Safe Standing Survey: http://www.thefightingcock.co.uk/2013/03/safe-standing-survey-results/ )'
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