Hypothetically, by the time we move into the new stadium and safe standing regulations are relaxed and looked at on a club by club basis. I have to say I don't think we would have a chance of being approved for it.
Why? Pitch Invasions. We have a history of fans running on to the pitch at every important goal or event. You only have to browse through a few pages of the "Old Everton Pictures" thread to see images of pitch invasions. Even when the barriers were up before Hillsborough.
I'm not knocking safe standing, I agree it would add to the atmosphere, but to have any chance of getting it installed we must get rid of this culture of running on to the pitch at the first opportunity.
It's almost like some fans are looking for an excuse to run on to the pitch, like the Tony Hibbert Goal against AEK and if you are all honest with yourselves you know that there would have been a pitch invasion if we had scored a late winner against that mob across the park last week.
I don't accept the "starved of success" argument, Huddersfield scored a 92nd min goal yesterday that may keep them in the premiership and their fans were delirious, but they didn't invade the pitch.
We are all hoping that the good times will return and as a result there will be more frequent "important goals and events". However history suggests by definition this will result in more pitch invasions. So those advocating for safe standing and the board at the club must realise that, if a clubs home fans behaviour is taken into account than it will not be forgone conclusion.
