Sheffield United increased safety measures last night against Middlesbrough in an attempt to satisfy ground regulations after an investigation raised concerns about health risks in the Kop.
An investigation was conducted by Sheffield City Council and the Sporting Ground Safety Authority, the UK government’s adviser. They concluded that there were serious problems with supporters not sitting in the correct seat that correlated with their tickets and overcrowding at the rear of the Kop stand.
To limit breaches of safety regulations, the club have stopped selling matchday tickets, increased stewards on the stand who check the tickets, rearranged cameras and added more signage.
The club has said: “It is unfortunate that this approach is fast becoming a reality and the repercussions will affect a significant number of supporters….. Sheffield United is dedicated to ensuring Bramall Lane is a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters”.
These consequences could include the closure of specific segments of the stand or its complete closure.
Harry Pearson, 21, a Sheffield United fan who lives in Crookes and regularly attends matches, said: “I don’t understand what’s so hard about sitting in the seat you’ve paid for.
“I think the Blades have done what they can to improve supporters’ protection but it’s up to the fans now. Some need to get their act together, pack it in with the stupidity and realise what punishments we could be facing. They’re just doing more harm than good by not following what’s basically a pretty simple rule.
“If this doesn’t get sorted and luck stays on our side, we’re looking at entering the Premier League with no atmosphere or support whatsoever.”
Limiting the capacity of fans to only season ticket holders in the Kop is a drastic measure which has proven costly to the club, causing them to lose £30,000 per match at a point in time when the club is subjected to a trade embargo.
Elias Thierry, a steward at Bramall Lane for Sierra One Security Service said: “For the past couple of games, we’ve been going up and down the stand checking people’s tickets to make sure they’re where they should be. You get a real mixed bag of responses and to be honest you never know how they’re going to be with you.
Some supporters are not bother at all, but I think others are feeling quite patronised and they show it in some ugly ways. It makes the job a lot tougher.”