London Borough of Newham safety officials say they continue to be concerned with the persistent standing by West Ham supporters in the upper tier blocks of 215, 216 and 217 of the London Stadium due to the rake and height.
They told members of the London Stadium Safety Advisory Board in April that: “Steps taken so far need to be more effective in preventing persistent standing. It was suggested that the front three rows be taken out for safety.
“West Ham has banned some of the ringleaders but this hasn’t stopped the problem. It was stressed that the Council can change the ‘S Factor’ and essentially prohibit the use of those seats and will if it continues as persistent standing breaches the Ground Regulations, FA Regulations and Green Guide recommendations.”
The official minutes add “CCTV shows that there is a trend of standing in those areas and that the fans don’t sit when asked by the stewards. Suggested that a different demographic is moved into that area. Members were reminded that it was within the power of the club and stadium operator to deal with this.”
Safety Advisory Board members considered and suggested West Ham United review best practices from other stadiums including family enclosures to limit bad behaviour and persistent standing in the upper tiers.
Since when did standing ever hurt anyone? I could make a comment but wouldn’t want to cause upset about how people in the past have got hurt……
However, family enclosure is a must. In their quest to put bums on seats the David’s didn’t bother with this.
I dont understand the part about the rake? Ive seen steeper pool tables!!
I’m in the BML and everyone stands, all game every game. The only time we’ve ever been asked to sit was at the League Cup game v Accrington Stanley.
I think they are making a specific point about standing at the front rows of the upper tiers
There’s no chance in you hurting yourself in the BML – it’s the idiots on the second tier near the edge that they’re concerned about.