Liverpool supporters have voted in favour of safe standing, in an online poll run by a leading fans’ group.
Spirit of Shankly had an “emotive and sensitive” debate on the issue before holding an open vote, and 88 per cent of the 17,910 people who voted were in favour.
There were 5 per cent against, while the rest were undecided or wanted to know more.
Liverpool have said their supporters’ position on safe standing is “uniquely complex” because 96 fans died during the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
The requirement for all-seater stadiums in England’s top flight was a response to the tragedy and government legislation would need to change for safe standing to be introduced.
Liverpool said they would “listen” to fans’ views if the regulations were ever changed.
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The Premier League wrote to its 20 clubs last month to assess whether they would be interested in staging trials.
‘It’s an incredible turnout’
SOS said the result of the vote was a “significant step given the sensitivities of the topic” in the city.
Chair Jay McKenna said: “It’s an incredible turnout. We aren’t aware of such numbers voting before.
“After nine months of discussion, we have now had the vote and it will be taken as the position for Spirit of Shankly.
“The size of the turnout majority means that no-one can be in any doubt that supporters have had their say and made an informed decision.”
SOS said its members voted “broadly in line” with the overall outcome, but the group said the result should not be “overly celebrated”.
“We say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree,” said McKenna.
“No-one wins here. This has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position.
“Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety.
“It was important in our conversations to have these answered. It would be wise for that to take place elsewhere.”
The growing debate
Debate about the issue of safe standing has grown since Celtic introduced about 3,000 rail seats at Celtic Park at the beginning of last season.
Representatives from the Scottish champions and the Sports Ground Safety Authority, which oversaw regulations regarding the move to all-seater stadiums, were present at the meeting held by SOS prior to the vote.
SOS has discussed the issue with members since September, and has met with survivors of the Hillsborough disaster and families of those who died.
West Bromwich Albion have said they would be willing to use The Hawthorns as part of a pilot scheme for safe standing.
