English fans stand up for the right... to stand up

The English top flight may be the world's most popular football championship, ceaselessly driven into new territories by an unrelenting marketing machine, but some local fans long for a return to simpler pleasures - to be able to stand and enjoy the match!

With a 3-billion television deal and seven teams in Deloitte's list of Europe's 20 richest clubs, business in the Premier League is booming. But not everyone is happy.

The English top flight may be the world's most popular football championship, ceaselessly driven into new territories by an unrelenting marketing machine, but some local fans long for a return to simpler pleasures.

Top of their list is a desire to stand while they watch their teams play - and a campaign spearheaded by the Football Supporters Federation (FSF) is calling for the right to do exactly that.

Irked by a blanket ban on standing at Premier League clubs, the campaigners hope to persuade the British government, football authorities and clubs to introduce standing sections on a trial basis at selected grounds.

Any such scheme would involve the use of so-called "rail seats" - robust, fold-up seats with a high back featuring a metal rail that fans sitting in the row behind can hold if they wish to stand up.

File photo: Chelsea's fans wave supporters waves flags before the start of the UEFA Champions League final football match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea FC at the Fussball Arena stadium in Munich. (AFP Photo)

File photo: Liverpool fans cheer their team before the start of the League Cup Final against Cardiff at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP Photo)