Liverpool MP Steve Rotherham slams bid to restore standing areas in football grounds

A BID to bring back standing areas in all football grounds was condemned by Liverpool MPs - who fear a repeat of the Hillsborough disaster.Bath MP Don Foster yesterday introduced his backbench bill to allow existing and new-build stadia to return to 'safe' standing areas.But MPs from all sides vowed to kill the measure before it reaches its next stage in the New Year.Walton Labour MP Steve Rotheram, whose constituency includes both Liverpool and Everton's grounds, said there was a clear danger the lessons of the 1989 tragedy, in which 96 Reds fans were crushed to death, were not fully understood. Since Hillsborough, all Premier and most Football League grounds have been all-seater.Mr Rotheram said: 'After that, the safety record at British stadia has been exemplary, unlike overseas where such horrific incidents still happen.'Although the current bill will certainly be blocked, there is a growing Commons move to permit standing in lower division new-build stadia.Mr Rotheram added: 'I can understand some of the arguments, but it will take a lot to convince me genuine safety guidelines will be observed.'Bootle MP Joe Benton added: 'Hillsborough showed us safety must be paramount.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo