Very obviously yes

Although of an age where the default is that one stands at a football match, only using seats before and after the game and at half time, that's my choice. Others have an entirely equal right to sit; and some may, through medical conditions or by reason of age, not actually have a choice at all.

I don't know if any actual research has been done but anecdotally and certainly very strongly in my own experience groups of standing fans generate considerably more atmosphere and noise than groups of sitting fans.

The solution is very obviously to allocate some sections - the Barclay Lower, the Snakepit, the block(s) near the away fans in the South Stand; and the back half or two thirds of the away seats in the South Stand as well - as standing, or at least standing-tolerant; with sitting expected and roughly enforced everywhere else (you're never going to stop people getting up when a goal goes in, for instance; but for the large majority of the game people should sit - that period just before a goal, or when a goal seems probable, would be the hardest to police of course).

There will be one or two who have to move seats in consequence but overall far more people would get their desired matchday experience, and the atmosphere would undoubtedly be better (in my view - I can't prove it).

Posted By: Old Man, Feb 15, 12:36:07