Safe Standing – the role of Iron supporters
Take a look at the FSA web site and you will see a news headline dated July 29th, 2022 “UEFA approves safe standing use at European games”.
It goes on to read “The decision by EUFA’s executive committee means clubs will be permitted, in line with domestic regulations, to use standing terraces for all UEFA club competition games in France, Germany and England.” This was the result of many years of campaigning by football supporters grous and the FSA.
And to think, back in 2010, it was Iron Trust Board member, Dave Beverley that was heavily involved in the initiation of the FSA ‘s safe standing campaign.
Dave tells “it all started at the FSF AGM (now called the FSA) held at Wembley Stadium. During a debate towards the end of the day I put it to Malcolm Clarke, FSF Chairmen and FA delegate that, if Scunthorpe managed to stay in the championship it would signal the end of the Doncaster Road terrace”. This resulted in the “Keep Scunthorpe Standing” campaign and became a reference for the FSA’s campaign.
The Keep Scunthorpe Standing campaign gained recognition in both national and local press. The local MP of the time, Nick Dakin supported the Keep Scunthorpe Standing campaign and made direct reference to it in the House of Commons. There can’t be many occasions when “Up the iron” has been said in an MP’s maiden speech!
| The Independent (2010) | Reporting on meetings with MP’s and Sports Minister (2010) |
| Press cutting from 2010 | Press cutting from 2010 |
It just goes to show that the opinions of supporters, even at our small club, have a meaningful contribution in supporting the wider football community. It takes time, diplomacy and patience and the FSA are experts in all of these, but success can be achieved.
Let’s keep an eye on the governments take up of the recommendations of the Fan-Led Review. If it falls short of what the football community expects, the Iron Trust, and all similar organisations, will be supporting the FSA to protect the interests of supporters at every club.
Why not join the Iron Trust and be one of those voices?
