???️ SOS RAIL SEATING 88% IN FAVOUR

The Spirit of Shankly (SOS) chaired by Jay McKenna, hosted a Rail Seating meeting earlier this month in order to bring together Liverpool fans and provide what was an interesting debate and discussion over what is almost regarded as a taboo subject across Merseyside.The sensible, mature and positive move by SOS permitted individuals to have their say on the subject and in-turn educated people along the way.Rail seating is being debated across the UK but perhaps more fiercely in Liverpool.We are all aware of the terrible events that took place in Hillsborough in 1989, so, it has, and always will be a difficult conversation to have openly. SOS have taken the initiative on this but also took steps to involve the families and the victims who were affected by the event.After the meeting a voting system was set up by SOS allowing people to exercise their right to a vote.An overwhelming and extremely positive number of people voted on the matter totalling 17,910 in the poll that ran from Saturday 22nd July until Friday 28th July.The Survey Monkey platform consisted of a series of questions based on Rail seating and whether it would be supported by an Anfield crowd. Other questions developed a background on individuals such as age range and how often they attended games.Today (Monday 31st of July) the breakdown of those results have been published and again it makes interesting reading???.On the introduction of rail seating areas in football stadiums, are you?

• In favour of them being introduced – 88.21% (15,798)
• Against them being introduced – 5.04% (902)
• I don’t know enough about them/I want to know more about them – 4.8% (859)
• Undecided – 1.96% (351)

· Spirit Of Shankly members voted broadly in line with these results, meaning the unions position is in favour of rail seating:

• In favour of them being introduced – 88.8%
• Against them being introduced – 4.6%
• I don’t know enough about them/I want to know more about them – 2.9%
• Undecided – 3.8%

· Other key outcomes include:

•    6,014 supporters attend Anfield regularly (more than 11 games per season). Of these, 88% were in favour, 7% against, 3% don't know enough and 2% undecided
  

•    7 in every 10 women voted in favour of rail seating.
  

•    70% of supporters say they would definitely use a rail seating area and 19% say they probably would use one
  

•    40% of respondents were aged 22-34 years, the highest category, followed by 34% aged 35-49
  

•    Of those who could have been old enough to stand on the old Kop (those aged over 12 in 1994), 85% voted in favour.
  

  SOS plan to release a further breakdown of results in the near future.

SOS have said that there are no winners or losers on this matter but it could potentially be a step forward towards Rail seating now that people have voiced their opinion. The outcome of this is not a call for rail seating to be introduced at Anfield. SOS will have further consultation with families, survivors, members, supporters and LFC.Jay McKenna said: “The vote is significant and we know people will see this as backing of rail seating. However, we say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree. No one wins here, this has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position. Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety. It was important in our conversations to have these answered. It would be wise for that to take place elsewhere.”Now though, the focus will be on what next but the union say that there is no answer on that yet. McKenna said: “We’ve always been clear that this was about rail seating areas in football stadiums and not specifically at Anfield. Any such discussion is for a future point and requires more talking to those involved supporters, the football club and importantly families and survivors’ That will inevitably be asked but for now we want to take time to reflect on the vote and allow others to do the same.”