THE Football Association has given fresh hope to Southampton campaigners, after publicly backing a petition calling for clubs to have the option to install safe-standing areas in stadiums.

The move to bring it to St Mary’s, home of Southampton Football Club, had previously been backed by the city council, as well as Itchen MP Royston Smith and Redbridge independent councillor Andrew Pope.

But this new support, from the country’s top football governing body, will give fans in favour of a law change hope that they may once again return to standing in the terraces, as they did at the Saint’s former home: The Dell.

It comes after sports minister Tracey Crouch agreed to launched a fresh review into safe-standing in English football grounds, adding that her “mind is open” on the safe-standing debate.

The minister, speaking at a parliamentary debate back in June, said she expects findings of the initial research to be completed before the end of the year.

Standing in English football’s top two divisions was outlawed by the Football Spectators’ Act in 1989, following recommendations by the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans.

The FA will tell the government’s review it believes clubs should have a choice if they can implement standing areas safely.

A spokesperson for the FA said: “The FA supported the announcement from Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in June to conduct an ‘external analysis of evidence in relation to the all-seater policy’ and supports clubs and leagues in having the option to choose whether they wish to provide standing options for supporters should there be clear evidence that satisfies the authorities over safety and security.”

The Premier League and EFL have both voiced their support for the right for clubs to have the option.

Saints has previously said it would not comment on the safe-standing debate.

Itchen MP Royston Smith said: “This is a very welcome step from the FA and will help to focus the Minister’s mind when she comes to look at the findings of the independent review.

“There is no doubt many football fans want to stand when they watch the match so we need to ensure that the can do so in a safe manner.”

As reported, Redbridge councillor Andrew Pope had started a petition to bring standing to St Mary’s, with 820 supporters signing it.

Cllr Pope had also hosted the Safe Standing Roadshow, with members of the Saints board, fans and media all invited to get a glimpse of rail seats. The seats, which he says are the safest way to stand at grounds, are able to be bolted up and also used as regular seats.