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Celtic FC and Ferco Seating made history last Thursday, 14 July, as the installation of the first safe standing seating system (RailSeat) in the UK got underway at Celtic Park.
An area of the stadium will feature standing on the terraces for the 2016 – 17 season.
With Celtic pushing for this for over six years and Ferco supporting both them and the Football Supporters Federation (FSF) for more than five years, all eyes will now be on the EPL for their reaction.
Developed in response to fans' demands for a return to standing sections at football matches, the RailSeat is an innovation in stadium seating, enabling spectators to stand safely to watch matches, whilst having the option to revert to seating when regulations require it.
With its design based on barrier technology and its robust seat and high back, the RailSeat forms a strong and continuous handrail to facilitate safe standing. Slim-line and compact, this unique stadium seat has been approved for use by both UEFA and FIFA for Champions League and World Cup matches.
Jon Darch, Chairman of the FSF, has visited numerous UK clubs with the Safe Standing Roadshow, demonstrating the benefits of standing safely at matches for both clubs and supporters alike.
Although widely used in Germany's Bundesliga as standing accommodation for domestic matches, this is the first time RailSeats have been installed commercially in the UK.
The 3,000 seat installation comes after Celtic were able to convince their local Safety Advisory Group and the authorities that these seats provided a safer environment for their fans.
The introduction of RailSeats, which comply with UEFA and FIFA requirements, is an investment in spectator safety by Celtic FC and an historic event for Shrewsbury based Ferco Seating Systems.
