Source: Daily_Mail
Kenny Dalglish: 96 reasons why football must never go back to the terraces
It is 21 years since Lord Justice Taylor's report recommended that terracing at football grounds should be outlawed. The move was a direct response to the tragedy at Hillsborough, where 96 people went to a football match and never returned home. [LNB]The passing of time should not be allowed to diminish the reasons behind the introduction of all-seater stadiums, which is why I'm instinctively and deeply opposed to the reintroduction of standing areas at grounds. [LNB]The subject is back on the agenda with a fans' group setting up a petition supporting the idea and Sports Minister Hugh Robertson not wanting to appear dismissive, saying he will view it seriously. [LNB] Never again: The Hillsborough tragedy is a poignant reminder of the dangers of terracing[LNB]I'm more in line with the Premier League stance that the benefits of all-seater stadiums far outweigh the advantages of having supporters standing in big crowds. [LNB]From where I'm looking, the introduction of all-seater stadiums has worked. To change it, even now, is an unnecessary risk, a view only strengthened when I remember what happened at Hillsborough and what the families of the bereaved have had to endure in the months and years since then. [LNB]For younger readers nationally who don't know the story, I was the Liverpool manager when many of our supporters were crushed to death after an area of terracing at Hillsborough became overcrowded before our FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in 1989. [LNB] More from Kenny Dalglish... Kenny Dalglish: If Terry was wrong man a year ago, why is he right now? 19/03/11 Kenny Dalglish: The way Barca play makes Xavi and Messi look so good12/03/11 Kenny Dalglish: Survival or victory in the Cup? Sorry, there's only one winner and Houllier was spot on05/03/11 Kenny Dalglish: Arsenal and Wenger deserves to end six-year drought26/02/11 Kenny Dalglish: Football may pay a high price for this final insult19/02/11 Kenny Dalglish: Can Wilshere make his mark against real giants of football?12/02/11 Kenny Dalglish: Rooney finished as an England player? You must be kidding05/02/11 Kenny Dalglish: I'd go potty over a bad call - not because Sian's a woman 29/01/11 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE Football has become a far safersport for supporters since both terracing and fencing around the pitchwere banished. There are fewer injuries and there is less hooliganism,too. It can't be wrong.[LNB]I've heard it argued that people aredenied the right to make a choice between sitting and standing but ifyou asked people what the safer option would be, they would say sitting.[LNB] [LNB]And safety is not something you should take for granted. If we are safer now, it is because the recommendations of the Taylor Report were acted upon. [LNB]The other point I've heard mentioned is that all-seater stadiums are bad for atmosphere. Even if that were true, would it not be right to sacrifice a little bit of atmosphere for safety? I don't think the argument about atmosphere is correct anyway. You can't deny that there have been some absolutely fantastic nights at Anfield since the stadium went all-seater. [LNB]Yes, the famous Saint Etienne European Cup game in 1977 when you could squeeze 26,000 into the old Kop was played in a marvellous atmosphere. But it was also extremely good against Olympiakos in 2004 when Steven Gerrard rattled one in to take Liverpool through against the odds. [LNB]People talk with some reverence about the 2005 semi-final against Chelsea when the noise and passion were incredible and sucked Luis Garcia's shot over the line. Remember, that was in an all-seater stadium. [LNB]It isn't just Anfield. I went to a Celtic-Rangers Old Firm game in the Scottish Premier League last month that Celtic won 3-0 and you couldn't tell me the atmosphere would have been any better had people all been standing and swaying on the terraces. Not a chance - it was fantastic as it was. [LNB] Glory days: Anfield certainly didn't need any terracing on the night Luis Garcia fired Liverpool to the Champions League final in 2005[LNB]Maybe some other grounds don't have that old-fashioned atmosphere any more but if the reward is that mothers and fathers can take their children there in safety, that's surely not a bad thing. I'd certainly be more inclined to take my son or daughter - or grandchildren nowadays! - to a match where you sit rather than stand. [LNB]The one drawback about modern stadiums over the last 20 years which I have to accept is the increased cost in going to games. [LNB]I acknowledge that it would be fantastic to make it more affordable for the man in the street to go to matches with his kids. I don't agree a return to standing is the right way to do that but I do think we all have to find a way to make sure not every seat is expensive. [LNB]I know fans still stand in countries like Germany. But you can't compare their situation with ours. If Germany had endured a tragedy like Hillsborough, of innocent supporters dying because they went to a football match, they would have banned standing and they would not now be talking of reversing that decision. [LNB] .....................................................................................................................................................[LNB]English players can't adapt? What nonsense!England changed from their 'traditional' 4-4-2 against Wales in Cardiff yesterday - and won comfortably. So surely it's time to put to bed this notion that English players can't adapt to different styles and formations. [LNB]Players like Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Scott Parker were all excellent in Cardiff yesterday, despite a change in the system. And if Fabio Capello asked them to change again for the next game, they'd cope with it no problem - as easily as players would from any top football nation. [LNB]Modern football is about flexibility. I know in the past some managers would say 'let them worry about us' but the truth nowadays is that if you don't respect the opposition, you will have a problem. [LNB] Versatile: Ashley Young can play in a number of positions[LNB] So you adapt to suit the circumstances of each game. It doesn't mean 4-4-2 is dead, it just means you don't have to stick to one way of playing every time. [LNB]Top Premier League sides have been developing their players along those lines for ages so no England player was asked to do anything against Wales they weren't capable of. [LNB] Rooney is primarily a striker but Sir Alex Ferguson has used him on the left-hand side for big games at Manchester United, and Wayne didn't let Capello down yesterday. [LNB]Young is versatile, a modern player who has been educated by Aston Villa to play in different positions, behind a main striker or wide. Against Wales, Capello asked him to deliver width on the righthand side and he gave Danny Collins a torrid time with his runs, one of which created the decisive second goal for Darren Bent. [LNB] Flexible: Scott Parker can play in a holding midfield role or further forward[LNB] Parker did not start out as a holding midfield player. But he has excelled there for West Ham and is now carrying it on to the international stage. Another flexible player. [LNB]All right, Wales aren't one of the best teams in world football, but they still have top players like Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey - and for England to finish them off early deserves praise. Capello will be delighted with the result. [LNB]He knows he's never far away from being heavily criticised; that comes with the job. But he made sure it didn't happen yesterday even though his decision to make John Terry permanent captain invited unnecessary trouble, in my view. [LNB]Having been a big fan of Jack Wilshere for a long time, it is good to see him performing where he should be, at the highest level for club and country. It was the perfect stage for him yesterday. [LNB] I hope Brazil don't wreck Scotland's revival [LNB]After some dark times, Scotland are showing signs of recovery. The job of stabilising the national team, begun by Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, is being continued by Craig Levein, although that will be given a daunting test against Brazil at the Emirates today. [LNB]The grave financial situation in Scottish football over recent years has probably helped the national team in a strange way. Instead of investing in foreign players, Scottish Premier League clubs have almost been forced to play local lads and develop them. [LNB] Great Scots: Manager Craig Levein and captain Darren Fletcher have led Scotland's revival of late[LNB]Having gained first-team experience earlier than they would have done a decade ago, players like James McArthur, Chris Maguire and Danny Wilson are in a much better position to be in an international squad to back up Champions League regulars such as Darren Fletcher, who is injured for the Brazil game. [LNB]In the circumstances, I have doubts about playing a fixture like Brazil, even though they are undoubtedly the No 1 glamour team in world football. [LNB]True great: Brazil's Zico[LNB]First of all, given recent progress, there would be nothing more disheartening than getting a drubbing now, which is possible if the Brazilian talent clicks on the day. I would hate for Scotland to get well beaten and for the players to feel they are back at square one. [LNB]My other reservations are of a more practical nature. Although facing Brazil is exciting, and no doubt financially rewarding, I don't see the relevance in helping Craig with his primary aim of qualifying for Euro 2012. [LNB]Our next qualifiers are against the Czech Republic and Lithuania. I can't help feeling that playing European opposition would have been more suitable preparation. The Brazilian way of playing is not going to be of much assistance. As I said, those who booked the game have done so for financial and nostalgic reasons rather than professional. It's a risk and I hope it doesn't backfire. [LNB]Having said that, I'm sure the Scotland lads will remember playing Brazil. They are an iconic team and have that magic about them. [LNB]I was a relative youngster when I played against Brazil in the 1974 World Cup. They still had some great World Cup winners, including Rivelino and Jairzinho, but we managed a 0-0 draw. [LNB]I was on the bench in 1982 when we faced their great team of Zico, Socrates and Falcao. Jock Stein wanted a five-man midfield to combat them and selected Steve Archibald as lone striker. [LNB]I was asked to warm up at 2-1 down but they scored a third through Eder before I got on the pitch and we ended up losing 4-1.[LNB] Have your say - email me at Kenny.Dalglish@mailonsunday.co.uk English clubs have been feared by European teams in recent years but now other leagues are becoming more competitive. Is that fear factor still there? FRANK FITZPATRICK [LNB]Kenny says: It should be. To have three teams in the quarter-finals of the Champions League is a tremendous record. And Arsenal would be there as well if they hadn't been drawn against the best team in Europe, Barcelona. [LNB]Are you looking forward to the next game on Saturday, a chance to meet up with Roy Hodgson in his new job when Liverpool go to West Brom? RICHARD SHAFFER [LNB]Kenny says: Roy Hodgson was a friend of mine before he took the Liverpool job, he was a friend when he was at Anfield and he's still a friend of mine now. But we'll both be competitive on the touchline. [LNB]What is your opinion on the sensitive subject of post-match comments from managers about referees? TREVOR McNAMARA [LNB]Kennysays: The phrase 'within reason' is the key one. It's not easy for managers when they have to speak so soon after the final whistle and emotions are running high. I think the FA have to take that into account.[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Walter Smith, Darren Fletcher, Danny Wilson, Alex McLeish, Craig Levein, Roy Hodgson, Hugh Robertson, Steven Gerrard, Alex Ferguson, Craig Bellamy, John Terry, Fabio Capello, Ashley Young, Jack Wilshere, Darren Bent, Wayne Rooney, Danny Collins Places: Barcelona, Liverpool, Cardiff, Scotland, Germany, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Brazil, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe Organisations: Scottish Premier League
