West Bromwich Albion’s proposal for a new safe-standing section at The Hawthorns has been rejected by the government, the Premier League club has announced.
The Baggies had planned to install brand-new ‘rail seating’ in the Smethwick End – used by many clubs throughout Europe, including Scottish champions Celtic – for both home and away fans this summer, ready for the for the 2018/19 season.
But Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch MP, has ruled out West Brom’s plans, saying there are no plans to change the all-seater policy at football stadiums.
Mark Miles, the club’s director of operations, described the government’s decision as both "surprising" and "disappointing", and he has written a formal request to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority urging a review.