Four Premier League clubs approved for ‘safe standing’ trial in January

FOUR Premier League clubs have been given the go-ahead to trial “safe standing” this season.

Chelsea, Spurs, Man City and Man United will be the top-flight sides taking part in the pilot in January.

GettyManchester United are one of the clubs which will trial safe standing[/caption]

The first match will be Chelsea v Liverpool on January 2.

Championship team Cardiff are also expected to be given permission when the decision is announced tomorrow.

Standing has been illegal in the top divisions since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the death of 97 Liverpool fans in the Hillsborough disaster.

If the trial is a success, other clubs will be able to apply for next season.

New Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a Liverpool fan brought up near Anfield, had approved the move.

She said: “Football fans have long wanted the introduction of safe standing and I’m pleased we are fulfilling our manifesto commitment by piloting its return.”