Chelsea fans suggest "safe standing areas" to improve Stamford Bridge atmosphere

Chelsea fans working on response to Jose Mourinho’s claims of a lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge

At the start of the month, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, after his side’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, had launched an attack at Chelsea fans, claiming it felt like playing in front of an empty stadium. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) seem to have taken that comment to heart and want to do all they can to improve the atmosphere at the Bridge, even suggesting a return of the standing areas for supporters.

The standing areas were banned and only all-seater stadiums were allowed to host matches after the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool supporters tragically died. The return of the standing areas will be talked about in hushed voices, but, with new technology having been implemented and steps taken to follow the example of Germany where there are separate standing areas in stadiums, the standing areas may be introduced again.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust conducted a survey where it was revealed that the dull atmosphere and high ticket prices are 2 major concerns faced at Stamford Bridge. In the survey, a majority of the Blues felt that returning to safe standing areas is the best way to improve the atmosphere. They argue that the return of safe standing areas will result in cheaper tickets and hence, give the young supporters a chance to watch Chelsea in action.

Tim Rolls, the chairman of the CST said, "The results of the second CST members survey reinforce the view of the board that there are a couple of fundamental issues the club need to address as a matter of urgency. The recent publicity following the manager's comments about the lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge led to a healthy debate about the reasons for this."

He continued, “The CST campaign for safe standing last season has put this in the forefront of supporters' minds with this being the most frequent suggestion for improving the ambience at Stamford Bridge.”

The Chelsea fans will be hoping that the only changes that happen to the club are not on the field with the Blues sitting pretty at the top of the table, undefeated after 11 matches. They entertain West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and will need something drastic for Mourinho to feel that his team isn’t playing in front of an empty stadium.