Disaster

The Bradford City fire disaster led to the Popplewell Report in 1986 and the Hillsborough disaster led to the Taylor Report of 1990.

The measures recommended in these reports are now commonplace in modern stadiums, but they were introduced following significant loss of life. The key measures of the reports included:

• All-seater stadiums in Premiership/Division One from 1995. Up to that time, many famous stadiums contained standing terraces, such as the Kop at Anfield (Liverpool) and the Shed at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea).
• Reduced capacity in all stadiums with terracing, this severely reduced the threat of over-crowding.
• Increased safety elements. These included safety barriers, entrances/exits, fire procedures, and clear notices/signage.
• Removal of perimeter fencing. This had been erected at many grounds to stop pitch invasions.  However, perimeter fencing was a major contributor to the Hillsborough disaster.
• Removal of flammable (wooden) stands/seats. Wooden stands/seats had been a significant factor in the Bradford City fire.
• Adequate stewarding and training of stewards.
• Segregation of supporters. Before the 1990s crowd segregation was less organised than it is today.
• Closed circuit TV and full monitoring in control box.  CCTV can now be used to investigate disturbances and monitor crowd behaviour.
• Better steward/control box communications.