Standing fans 'could cause a catastrophe'

Spectators at Old Trafford are in serious danger of being killed because of the stadium's 'inadequate' design.

A report into crowd safety at Manchester United's ground has revealed shocking claims that fans are at risk of falling from upper tiers of the stands because they stand, rather than sit down.

The 67- page document, compiled by Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council - the authority that grants United their licence to stage matches - states that 'during moments of high excitement, there is a 75 per cent chance of a catastrophic accident.

'People could fall over the front wall on to spectators in the lower tier underneath. It has already happened in other countries. This could result in deaths or life- threatening injuries.'

The report was completed on behalf of Trafford MBC less than 18 months ago, after the authority became concerned at the number of Old Trafford spectators who insisted on standing throughout matches. It has never been released to the public, but has now been seen by Sportsmail.

Although the report concludes that standing did not alone pose significant safety threats, it states that 'persistent standing is at the core of the problem' and adds that in certain areas of Old Trafford - for example the upper tier of the former Stretford End - there is a major risk inherent in celebrating goals and standing in order to sing or dance.

Another section of the report states: 'As the stadium is designed for seating only, a key concern associated with standing is that people could fall forwards and - in the upper tiers - fall over the front barrier on to people in the lower tiers.'

The report admits that the problem is not unique to United's ground and adds that crowd safety management at Old Trafford is generally of a high standard.

But it insists that although Old Trafford complies with all the necessary safety regulations, the stadium's design is inadequate in catering for the type of movements people often display at moments of high excitement.

The report says it is essential for United to look at additional safety measures, such as a perspex screen or netting in front of the top ti e rs , higher safety barriers or leaving the first two rows of seats empty in each stand.

A United spokesman said last night that Old Trafford complied with all current legislation, had been granted a safety certificate and was therefore deemed to be safe.