The
Chelsea Supporters' Trust has called for the introduction of 'Safe Standing'
areas to improve the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.
Manager Jose Mourinho complained it felt like his team were "playing in an
empty stadium" when they beat QPR 2-1 in their last home Premier League game
on November 1.
A survey by the CST has also indicated that Chelsea fans share Mourinho’s
views, with atmosphere listed as one of the top concerns in the findings,
along with ticket prices.
"Atmosphere continues to be a major concern for supporters and the manager,"
the report reads.
The 660 members surveyed felt the return of standing areas at Stamford
Bridge would be the best way to improve the atmosphere at the stadium.
The Football Supporters' Federation is leading a campaign for the
introduction of "safe standing" areas at football grounds.
Authorities
Currently, the Football Spectators Act 1989 requires safety authorities to
ensure fans attending games in England's top two divisions are seated.
Tim Rolls, chair of the CST said his organisation backed the FSF's policy
and also called on the club to reduce ticket prices too.
"The results of the second CST members survey reinforce the view of the
board that there are a couple of fundamental issues the club need to address
as a matter of urgency," he said.
"The recent publicity following the manager's comments about the lack of
atmosphere at Stamford Bridge led to a healthy debate about the reasons for
this.
"The need for more affordable ticketing for young supporters, the desire for
Safe Standing to be introduced and concerns about over-zealous stewarding
are all are highlighted as significant member concerns in the survey
results, and support the CST board view on these matters."
The report adds: "The CST campaign for safe standing last season has put
this in the forefront of supporters' minds with this being the most frequent
suggestion for improving the ambience at Stamford Bridge."
Chelsea return to Premier League action after the international break when
they host West Brom at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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