Club Statement re Persistent Standing.

[Colburn_Claret]

Club have posted that they are getting it in the beck, because of people insisting on standing. In particular JHL Sections 2 and 3.
It sounds as though they mean business, as the threat of closing the area is real. It would be really sad for those in those sections that don't stand.
I hope those that are doing it, have enough common sense to not try and argue with it. The club and team, will need all of us shouting them on.

Perhaps try and organise a petition to push for safe standing. I'd happily sign.

[ClaretTony]

The club are considering a safe standing area so no need for any petition. It won't be in the Longside lower though.

[Pickles]

Those blocks in the Longside Lower are two of the sections from where the atmosphere stirs and spreads to the rest of the ground. Standing is a big part of that, and goes against what Kompany has repeated many times about wanting to make the Turf "hell".

[GodIsADeeJay81]

They don't need to close an area/block though
CCTV makes it easy to pick out individuals so they can be contacted directly via letter

[Steve1956]

Those blocks in the Longside Lower are two of the sections from where the atmosphere stirs and spreads to the rest of the ground. Standing is a big part of that, and goes against what Kompany has repeated many times about wanting to make the Turf "hell".

You would think if the club was considering safe standing those blocks would be ideal good atmosphere in that corner.

[Burnley1989]

Club have posted that they are getting it in the beck, because of people insisting on standing. In particular JHL Sections 2 and 3.
It sounds as though they mean business, as the threat of closing the area is real. It would be really sad for those in those sections that don't stand.
I hope those that are doing it, have enough common sense to not try and argue with it. The club and team, will need all of us shouting them on.

Perhaps try and organise a petition to push for safe standing. I'd happily sign.

You don't have a box in that corner by any chance do you?

[Guitargeorge]

You would think if the club was considering safe standing those blocks would be ideal good atmosphere in that corner.

Some people pay a lot of money behind the glass screens to get a not very good view of the game. Persistent standers add to the diminished view.

[dougcollins]

Could be a difficult one this.

These people have been standing a deal longer than the CFS. Any who wanted to move to the CFS would have done so by now.

[Dark Cloud]

The club are in a no win situation as things stand and we all have to realise and accept that. The club themselves may not have an issue with certain sections persistently standing, especially if it's perceived as adding to the feverish atmosphere and pretty much everyone in that area is like minded, but the police, the PL and the health and safety bods will be hassling the club and the club have no choice but to be seen to try to act or they're the ones who are ultimately going to get punished. It's unfortunate really and could lead to real problems if it's rigourously enforced via people being banned etc which nobody wants.

[ClaretTony]

The statement from the club is somewhat embarrassing. Why would the Sports Ground Safety Authority point out an issue with standing in the Longside lower but not make any reference to the cricket field stand?

[Steve1956]

Some people pay a lot of money behind the glass screens to get a not very good view of the game. Persistent standers add to the diminished view.

Tell em to stand up...football is a game to be watched stood up always has been always will be.

[Les Lawrence]

Anyone Standing gets a ban,our safety officer will be all over it Our Football liason officer too,he gets a pie every time someone gets a banning order

[ClaretsPadiham]

Football is much more enjoyable stood up, I know some people can’t stand for 90 mins though.

[claretdj]

The statement from the club is somewhat embarrassing. Why would the Sports Ground Safety Authority point out an issue with standing in the Longside lower but not make any reference to the cricket field stand?

No one stands up in the cricket field stand though.

[Steve1956]

Football is much more enjoyable stood up, I know some people can’t stand for 90 mins though.

That's what the Bob Lord stands for Frank ....bang um in there.

[Cooclaret]

The statement from the club is somewhat embarrassing. Why would the Sports Ground Safety Authority point out an issue with standing in the Longside lower but not make any reference to the cricket field stand?

Are the club just passing on information that they’ve likely been actioned about from SGSA?

Isn’t it SGSA that will have identified the issue?

Don’t know the process myself…

[ClaretTony]

Are the club just passing on information that they’ve likely been actioned about from SGSA?

Isn’t it SGSA that will have identified the issue?

Don’t know the process myself…

Why would the SGSA highlight standing in one stand and not another?

[daveisaclaret]

The club don't want to say they're making people sit down because they're stood in front of expensive boxes, simple as. Probably good PR overall but also probably annoying if you've been standing there for a long time.

[JohnMac]

Every Club has supporters standing throughout the match, especially away fans. This just smacks of Box Holders complaining and justified as it may be; it won't go away.

[AlargeClaret]

As if we won’t struggle enough for Prem league atmosphere as it is . The Longside lower actually gets the noise rippling down the LS and creates far more noise ( when it does ) that the often ( but not always ) sheer embarrassment of the CFS

[ŽižkovClaret]

Thing is, it is in the terms and conditions of the tickets when you buy them. Whether or not people have been standing there for ages is neither here nor there.

If people persist in standing, the club may revoke their tickets, and we can see that they will have no issue at all re-selling the seats to new punters.

The sooner the CFS is replaced by a Safe Standing Kop style stand, the better, As this point will then be moot.

[Tricky Trevor]

So is it just the posh folk behind blocks 2&3 griping or do they stand in all blocks but other posh folk don’t give a flying fish?

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

So is it just the posh folk behind blocks 2&3 griping or do they stand in all blocks but other posh folk don’t give a flying fish?

Are the players' family and guests in the boxes behind those blocks?

[Leisure]

Are the players' family and guests in the boxes behind those blocks?

Yes, particularly behind block 1.

[jos]

Football is much more enjoyable stood up.

How do you watch MOTD?

[Winstonswhite]

As if we won’t struggle enough for Prem league atmosphere as it is . The Longside lower actually gets the noise rippling down the LS and creates far more noise ( when it does ) that the often ( but not always ) sheer embarrassment of the CFS

You’re having a laugh aren’t you?

I sit in the Bob Lord near the half way line, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard anything substantial from the Longside lower- the CFS on the other hand is continuous. Must be something to do with acoustics maybe.

[Colburn_Claret]

You don't have a box in that corner by any chance do you?

I don't, I'm JHU.
I'm just passing on the message from the club, and I wouldn't like to see any of our fans excluded, or thrown out.
The way the message is worded, it sounds as if it is out of the clubs hands, and if THEY don't take action, THEN the H&S Exec will.
A few posts sound as if I'm some kind of kill joy, when all I'm trying to do is help. I won't be losing any sleep over it mind.

[Rileybobs]

If by standing in those sections you are blocking the view and spoiling the enjoyment for those in corporate hospitality then you should really do the decent thing and follow the club’s plea.

[NottsClaret]

Yeah, nobody is falling for that statement. If the police or any safety authority still gives a toss about persistent standing - and they don't - then as others have said, you'd imagine they'd have mentioned the CFS which is basically an unsafe standing area.

The ground won't be closed and the police aren't interested, it'll just rumble on for another season with maybe half a dozen people getting bans in the hope that works. Not sure it will.

[Colburn_Claret]

The statement from the club is somewhat embarrassing. Why would the Sports Ground Safety Authority point out an issue with standing in the Longside lower but not make any reference to the cricket field stand?

Why embarrassing Tony?
I don't disagree about the CFS, but it isn't up to the Club to do the Safety Authorities investigation for them, only to make sure we comply with what they demand.
Unless of course you think that the Club are lying about it. Only that wouldn't make sense, as others have alluded to, these sections help add to the match day atmosphere, and I can't see the Club wanting to undermine that, UNLESS they had to.

[gandhisflipflop]

They will get told to **** off like last season. Enforce the same rules for the CFS and then the fans will talk.

[bobinho]

I have no problem with them using safety as a reason to bring things to the fore, but until they address the issues experienced every match day in the CFS concourse, then I’ll be paying the same lip service to the issues they raise as they have done to the CFS safety issues I have repeatedly raised.

[Cooclaret]

Why would the SGSA highlight standing in one stand and not another?

I think that’s a very poignant question! Don’t think it’s the clubs fault if they’ve only identified one stand and not the other?

[NewClaret]

I’d have much more sympathy with the clubs position if we had got on with introducing safe standing somewhere in the ground.

The message has just been “we’ll be consulting soon”. Other clubs introduced it years ago. Time for a hurry up!

[fidelcastro]

It's very simple really. If you don't want that part of the ground closed, stop standing up!

[Duffer_]

This is the statement this time around:

"[insert name] as we approach the start of the 2023/24 season, the Club wish to take this opportunity to remind supporters of some important safety information for Turf Moor.

Supporters play a vital role on matchdays, and we encourage passion from the crowd, however we do require fan support and co-operation regarding ground safety.

As a condition of our license the Club must be rigorous in upholding the all-seater conditions of the Football Spectators Act 1989, the purpose of which is ‘to provide for the safety of spectators’. In addition to the need to meet these licensing conditions, some of our supporters in these areas have complained to the Club because they simply cannot stand for long periods due to age and/or health problems or are unable to see if they are located at the back of the stand.

As a Club we appreciate that at times of increased excitement supporters will stand. However, we urge all supporters to continue to be considerate of their actions, especially as the potential exists for the licensing authorities to reduce the capacity in the North Lower stand, should the situation not improve."

It is noticeable that there is reference to supporter complaints. The references to licensing conditions and authorities are factual and stop short of saying there has been any correspondence or threat from the SGSA.

Compare and contrast to last time (18 August 2022):

"Burnley Football Club can confirm in recent weeks we have been in communication with a number of season ticket holders regarding persistent standing in the North Stand Lower at Turf Moor. By ‘persistent’ the Club means when individuals in seated areas stand for prolonged periods of time other than for short durations in periods of play where it could be deemed unnatural to remain seated.

The Club have sent correspondence reminding several identified supporters to remain seated in their designated seat, except for the times mentioned above, as persistent standing not only obstructs other people’s views and spoils their enjoyment but is a safety issue and breach of ground regulations that are stated when fans purchase a ticket to a game at Turf Moor. This has been reinforced via the match days stewarding team.

As a football club, Burnley FC work under a safety certificate, issued by Lancashire County Council and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority has been in communication with the Club asking us to intervene on the matter surrounding persistent standing before they take further action.

In accordance with Section 10 of the Football Spectators Act 1989 Act, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority remains responsible for issuing and ensuring compliance with licences to admit spectators to sports grounds to watch designated football matches, on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate."

I wouldn't worry too much about the SGSA taking action. I suspect they weren't too happy with BFC using them as the stick last time. At least this e-mail from the Club appears more honest in terms of the motivation involved.

http://www.uptheclarets.com/messageboar ... A#p1920668

[ClaretTony]

Why embarrassing Tony?
I don't disagree about the CFS, but it isn't up to the Club to do the Safety Authorities investigation for them, only to make sure we comply with what they demand.
Unless of course you think that the Club are lying about it. Only that wouldn't make sense, as others have alluded to, these sections help add to the match day atmosphere, and I can't see the Club wanting to undermine that, UNLESS they had to.

Do you honestly think that the Safety Authority would be concerned about standing in one area of the ground and not another, or do you think this is the club having concern for those in the posh seats behind? It's either all seater or it's not.

[StayingDown4Ever]

They will get told to **** off like last season. Enforce the same rules for the CFS and then the fans will talk.

you tell ‘em, tough guy!

[gandhisflipflop]

you tell ‘em, tough guy!

You’ve made the ‘tough guy’ up in your head, the statement is pony.

[Colburn_Claret]

Do you honestly think that the Safety Authority would be concerned about standing in one area of the ground and not another, or do you think this is the club having concern for those in the posh seats behind? It's either all seater or it's not.

I don't know Tony, I'm not that cynical, but I don't know you're wrong either. It's a sad day though, if you are right.

[groove]

We had all this last summer. It was dealt with by condoning off the top 2 rows in front of the boxes and everybody was happy. Could this just be a box ticking exercise?

[brexit]

As someone who watches from the BL or corporate (depending on who is paying) I much prefer the atmosphere in the Bob Lord. Most of the “supporters” in my box are more concerned about seeing how many double whiskeys they can down (17 is the highest I have seen). I am not a local short arse, so I can see over the non-safe standers. At least in the BL, I get to mix with the East Lancs version of last of the summer wine (bene) which often both tragic and hilarious.

[1989_claret]

Club have posted that they are getting it in the beck, because of people insisting on standing. In particular JHL Sections 2 and 3.
It sounds as though they mean business, as the threat of closing the area is real. It would be really sad for those in those sections that don't stand.
I hope those that are doing it, have enough common sense to not try and argue with it. The club and team, will need all of us shouting them on.

Perhaps try and organise a petition to push for safe standing. I'd happily sign.

Kompany’s box is above that section so his family probably want people to sit down in front of them so they can see better.

[Flying Without Ings]

Kompany’s box is above that section so his family probably want people to sit down in front of them so they can see better.

Could be an awkward conversation at the Kompany household then. He often advocates a loud as possible atmosphere.

[Inchy]

I think they should made standing mandatory every 10 mins in the Bob Lord. The demographics in that stand are prime for having a DVT. Would also be a good way to check everyone is still alive

[ŽižkovClaret]

Why would the SGSA highlight standing in one stand and not another?

The likely reasoning is that, as away fans will likely stand throughout, it would be harsh if not legally dubious to punish home fans in the same stand.

The elephant in the room would be that there is also a clear distinction where there are no corporate boxes in the CFS

[Duffer_]

Why would the SGSA highlight standing in one stand and not another?

They wouldn't unless there were significant differences in the risk profile of the areas involved. Lower tier and a gradient of less than 25 degrees are deemed to be lower risk factors.

In fairness to the Club, they make no claim that the SGSA has commented specifically on standing in the JHL in this round of comms. They are making generic statements about the licensing conditions in an attempt to add weight to their real concern, namely the experience of spectators in the back of the stand (presumably in the corporate hospitality area).

[Awayfromburnley]

Irrespective of who is behind this edict , I can catagorically state that someone will be hurt in the Cricket Field stand concourse, before they will be hurt by standing watching the match.

Something is amiss.

[Mattster]

They wouldn't unless there were significant differences in the risk profile of the areas involved. Lower tier and a gradient of less than 25 degrees are deemed to be lower risk factors.

Pretty sure the gradient in the JHL is much shallower than in the Cricket Field End.

Not having to go through this nonsense again until they get bored and give up about a third of a way into the season is just about the only silver lining to me not having a season ticket this year that I can think of.

[FeedTheArf]

I think they should made standing mandatory every 10 mins in the Bob Lord. The demographics in that stand are prime for having a DVT. Would also be a good way to check everyone is still alive

Once got told off in there for standing up when we got a penalty.

Changed my season ticket the following day.