LONDON: The Football Supporters’ Federation has accused Sports Minister Tracey Crouch of “declaring war on fans” by refusing to consider the introduction of s0-called ‘safe standing’.

FSF’s Peter Daykin said: “Tracey Crouch is not offering a solution. Forcing fans to sit at all-seater stadiums doesn’t work, so by turning a blind eye to safe standing, she is basically telling them to solve the issue.”

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spokesperson said that claim was “ridiculous”.

Crouch’s decision to block a proposal from Premier League West Bromwich Albion to introduce 3,600 rail seats has been criticised heavily by both supporters and safety experts.

An online petition to force the government to debate the issue has amassed more than 70,000 signatures but the Premier League has said more evidence is needed before safe standing can be allowed at top-flight stadiums.

A DCMS statement said: “We have no plans to change the all-seater policy but we will continue to monitor the issue of spectator accommodation and the use of safe standing where it is permitted.”

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