Back To The Future A Study of Proposed Standing

Hamilton Campus

School of Engineering & Science

BA Sport Development

‘Back To The Future’: A study of proposed standing

sections at Motherwell FC

R.Foy

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements of the University of the West of Scotland

for the BA Hons Degree in Sport Development.

May 2012

Page 1

Abstract

The final recommendations of The Taylor Report (1989) have required top

flight football stadiums to be all seated forcing fans to sit at matches. Recently,

there has seen an increase on the intensity of the debate for the reintroduction

of standing at football in the form of safe standing sections. The purpose of this

research is to gain a Motherwell FC fans perspective into the attitudes,

opinions and interests regarding the introduction of safe standing sections

within Scottish Premier League football stadiums.

This research will provide information on the topic which is currently a main

debating point in Scottish football.

A mixed method research approach was taken in the form of both a qualitative

open ended focus group and an online quantitative survey. These research

approaches were taken in order to gain a rich amount of information. One

hundred and fifty one participants completed the online quantitative survey

which allowed data to be gathered and counted. From these one hundred and

fifty one participants, six were chosen at random to take part in the focus

group. The focus group allowed the researcher to conduct an open ended

discussion with participants while also allowing the opportunity to gauge

expression and body language to fully gain their opinions and attitudes

towards the subject.

The results highlighted three main themes which effect fans’ opinions and

attitudes on safe standing sections. Participants’ age, who they attend

matches with and overall atmosphere at matches were all important factors for

participants. Overall the data highlights that within Scottish football, there is a

demand from fans for the choice of standing or sitting at matches. The

conclusion found that many fans felt that the introduction would be a positive

inclusion in Scottish football and would help to increase attendances and

increase atmosphere at matches.

The research provides a base for potential future research to be undertaken, in

the form of further case studies at other Scottish clubs or on a national level.

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Acknowledgements

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the help and assistance I was given by the

lecturing staff at the University of the West of Scotland and in particular Scott

Barclay and Fiona Hay. Without their continued support this task would have

been made increasingly difficult. I would also like to thank my fellow students

for the guidance and help they have given me not only throughout my last

year, but through all four years in higher education. I would also like to thank

the participants who kindly gave their time to complete my survey and also

those who attended the focus group. Your cooperation and consideration was

invaluable to the research. I would also like to thank Motherwell FC for the

assistance they gave and the interest they took in my final results. To know

that the data and results, that have been gained, may be used in future to

make a change in Scottish football helped to motivate and inspire me. Finally

and most importantly I would like to thank my family who have given me the

space and time needed to produce this research dissertation and hope that the

work produced equals the level of effort put in.

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Contents

Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. 2

Table of Figures ........................................................................................................................ 5

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 6

2 History of Football ............................................................................................................ 6

2.1 History of Fans .......................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Stadium History ........................................................................................................ 8

2.3 History of Safe Standing ....................................................................................... 10

3 Football Fans .................................................................................................................. 12

3.1 Demographics ......................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Attendances ............................................................................................................ 14

3.2 The Situation Today ............................................................................................... 17

3.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 25

4 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 26

4.1 Sample Population ................................................................................................. 26

4.2 Research Philosophy ............................................................................................. 26

4.3 Research Approach ............................................................................................... 27

4.4 Research Strategy ................................................................................................. 27

4.5 Method Choice ........................................................................................................ 28

4.6 Time Horizons ......................................................................................................... 29

4.7 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 30

4.8 Limitations of the Study ......................................................................................... 30

4.9 Self-Reflection ......................................................................................................... 31

5 Quantitative Results & Discussion ............................................................................... 32

6 Qualitative Results & Discussion ................................................................................. 38

7 Conclusion & Recommendations ................................................................................. 40

8 References & Bibliography ........................................................................................... 42

Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................................. 46

Appendix 2 .............................................................................................................................. 47

Appendix 3 .............................................................................................................................. 48

Appendix 4 .............................................................................................................................. 49

Appendix 5 .............................................................................................................................. 50

Page 4

Appendix 6 .............................................................................................................................. 51

Appendix 7 .............................................................................................................................. 56

Appendix 8 .............................................................................................................................. 65

Appendix 9 .............................................................................................................................. 82

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Table of Figures

Figure 1 Page 16

Figure 2 Page 16

Figure 3 Page 17

Figure 4 Page 18

Figure 5 Page 19

Figure 6 Page 20

Figure 7 Page 33

Figure 8 Page 34

Figure 9 Page 35

Figure 10 Page 36

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1 Introduction

The literature will assist in developing a twin theoretical foundation of the topic

of safe standing and previous research that has been carried out on the

subject. Literature such as the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster Enquiry Report

(HSDER, 1990) is a piece of primary literature which is ‘the first occurrence of

a piece of work’ (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). Tertiary literature is

designed to help source either primary or secondary literature such as the

case with the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) campaign to introduce

safe standing areas in British football grounds and their research to validate it.

The topic of safe standing sections is important as it is a major discussion point

in today’s football world. There have been increasing calls for standing

sections to be reintroduced into British football, from organisations such as the

(FSF). Slater (2007) shows how a poll conducted by the Football Fans Census

(FFC) states that “92% of English football fans want clubs to bring back safe

standing sections”. The Independent (2011) highlights how in Scotland, recent

calls for the introduction of safe standing areas have led to a change in policy.

The Independent (2011) shows how the SPL have relaxed their rules on

standing following pressure from Scottish football fans. Slater (2007) notes

that major concerns over ticket prices, an ageing crowd demographic and

falling attendances, have increased pressure on the authorities to re-examine

the all-seater requirement. Conn (2005) illustrates that it is felt that increased

ticket prices within all seater stadiums have priced many football fans out of

the game and are contributing to falling attendances. Conn (2005) states that

research by Leicester University shows that many clubs’ fans with lower

disposable incomes have been priced out of watching their clubs due to

inflated prices, a fact that will be highlighted throughout.

2 History of Football

2.1 History of Fans

Over the last twenty five years, football has changed dramatically. Bale (2000)

shows how the HSDER, introduced in 1989, and the Taylor Report (1990)

transformed British football and the way spectators viewed the game, with the

implications of such changes still clearly relevant to British football in the

twenty-first century. The reports highlighted major problems within British

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football. Bale (2000) expresses how the quality of the top flight stadia in the

UK was extremely low due to a lack of proper care and investment. The

apathy shown towards the stadia and the general welfare of football supporters

lead to a number of high profile disasters which in turn lead to Government

intervention, in the form of enquiries and creating new or updating existing

policies being required. Conn (2012) shows that as well as policy changes

that have affected football, such as UEFA’s ‘Financial Fair Play’ rules which

will be in force come the 2014-2015 season; Conn (1997) shows how the

game has been injected with millions of pounds of monetary investment which

has turned the game from being sport, into a business.

Frosdick & Marsh (2005), indicate that from its beginning until the 1970’s,

football was a working man’s sport with each team being a source of pride for

their respective towns. “A football club was in many ways as much a part of

the burgeoning corporation as a public library, town halls law courts and was

certainly used by more people”, (Inglis, 1991). Many football stadiums were

built close to the heart of the working class community because of this. Taylor

(1976) shows that the rise and fall of the working class weekend was the

beginning of the end for football and its working class roots. With the

progression of technology such as increased media formats such as the

internet, football has become a global sport and can be viewed almost

anywhere worldwide as McChesney (1989, pp 49) in Wenner (1989) explains

how the “media attention fans the flames of interest in sport and increased

interest in sport warrants further media attention”. It is a continuous circle

which results in both football and the media relying on each other. The

introduction of such technology drew a wider audience and created the rise of

the spectacle of football which provided large investment in UK football which

allowed clubs to buy the best players from around the world. Taylor (1976)

shows how many fans felt that these players did not represent the local

community and did not do their best for the clubs. Taylor (1976) also states

that the local club became less engaged with the community and changed into

a ‘commercial sports arena aimed at paying spectators’. The clubs, now run by

wealthy businessmen could now afford to pay higher wages which Taylor

(1976) shows only further alienated supporters from their teams. Conn (1997)

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also shows how further globalisation has also led to an increase in overseas

investment in UK football clubs which now sees many UK football clubs owned

by foreign billionaires. The altruism of local barons running teams now

replaced by globally detached billionaires. Hirst (2011), states that Chelsea,

Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are all examples of major

British football clubs who are now owned by foreign businessmen, as opposed

to local businessmen from the surrounding community. Now, as football turns

ever increasingly corporate, fans from not only the surrounding communities,

but from all over the world visit cities to watch teams play. Hirst (2011)

illustrates how current Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, feels

that the influx of foreign owners may have a negative impact on the Premier

League and believes “it is only a matter of time before they insist competitive

domestic matches are played abroad”. If this were to happen it would finally

show how football has moved on from the local community it once supported,

to gain the riches from a worldwide audience.

2.2 Stadium History

Robinson (2010) in “The place of the stadium: English football beyond the

fans”, looks at the impact that football stadia have had on the wider community

since the 1980’s. It analyses the transformation the football stadium has made

in the eyes of the general public from a ‘dystopic hell’ to a ‘utopic promise’.

Robinson (2010) explains how football hooliganism enraged football stadiums

from the 1960’s till the 1990’s or so the wider public were lead to believe.

Newspapers sensationalised stories to give the impression of violence

occurring within football stadiums every week and made it a ‘no-go’ zone for

people who did not immediately associate themselves with a club. “Football

hell was far more easily imagined than football heaven and the media

representations of the 1980’s added to this perception” (Robinson, 2010). The

journal shows how after the Heysel disaster, which occurred in 1985,

attendances reached an all-time low in England with many regular football fans

deciding not to attend any more.

BBC News (2000) shows how the Heysel disaster, which occurred at the

European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool in Belgium in 1985, was

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caused by violence flaring at the match. Trouble broke out between both sets

of supporters which led to a crush, leaving 39 fans dead. BBC News (2000)

demonstrates that violence had become common practice within British

football stadiums and also in other European countries however this time

hooliganism, which the British media referred to as the ‘British disease’, led to

English teams being banned from playing in European football competitions for

five years. BBC NEWS (1985) show how the English FA themselves

instigated the ban with then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher stating “we have

to get the game cleaned up from this hooliganism at home and then perhaps

we shall be able to go overseas again”. BBC News (1985) also notes how the

ban by the English FA was followed by an indefinite ban by European football’s

governing body UEFA. At this time in English football the stadium was far from

the altogether positive collective public sentiment that it has become today.

Taylor (1987), states that those who embraced the old style football grounds,

with their terraces, saw these spaces as their own working class territory and

fought to hold onto them and their sport, from the invasion of the football

authorities and the agents of change. Robinson (2010) expresses that in the

football authorities’ attempts to wrestle the game back into their own hands,

they decided to reshape the very face of football…the stadium. Foucault

(1975), states that these changes were not to do with improving facilities, but

more to increase the level of discipline and surveillance of football fans. From

this change came ‘modern football’ that is prevalent in today’s world.

Robinson (2010) shows how the modern day stadium provides an increasing

appeal to corporate customers, who use the facilities for their own hospitality

purposes and self-interest. Whyatt (2008) shows how many fans are

beginning to question whether the clubs’ motives of trying to attract corporate

customers are correct. Nazir (2008) of Aston Villa Supporters Club ‘Villa Fans

Combined’ explains

"A lot of clubs now go for the corporate image and the boxes are more

important to them than the bread and butter fans".

With hospitality boxes, restaurants and hotels all within or surrounding the

modern day football stadium, it attracts a different type of supporter. This

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journal shows how the football stadium has changed dramatically to be an

important role in the local community in a positive manner. It has helped to

understand the importance of the stadium itself and the people who occupy

them. If safe standing sections were introduced it may change people’s

perceptions of the football stadium and may cause worry of a ‘return to the old

days’. It is the aim of the dissertation to find out whether these worries and

fears are realistic. A view from police chief Les Gray will be considered in the

‘Situation Today’ section to gain the police perspective on the potential

introduction of safe standing sections.

2.3 History of Safe Standing

HSDER (1990) is a key policy, and the effects can still be witnessed

throughout UK football today. The most important recommendation made in

the report that is still evident today was that football stadiums in the top

divisions in England should be all seated; something which Scotland decided

to use as advice and copy around the same time as it was made mandatory in

England. Conn (2012), states that seating has never actually been

compulsory in Scottish football. All seated stadiums have arguably reduced

the level of football hooliganism and increased the overall level of safety within

football in the UK. Taylor (1989, pp 12), shows this by stating that “when a

spectator is seated he has his own small piece of territory in which he can feel

secure”. Taylor (1989) also shows that with seated fans there is less likely to

be crushing or swaying movements in the ground which results in accidents

less likely to happen. Modern technology has also ensured an increase in fan

safety. By knowing the capacity limits of stadiums, clubs and police can

ensure that grounds are not over crowded. Women, children and families can

now go to games and enjoy the visual aspect of football without their viewing

being disrupted by larger supporters; this is something which has had an

impact on fan demographics. Taylor (1989) shows how more comfortable

seats have attracted an increasing level of women and children to football

matches.

Frosdick & Marsh (2005), show that the reduction in crowd trouble and, more

importantly football hooliganism is also linked to the new all-seater stadiums.

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The Taylor Report (1989) was seen to have a more sensitive understanding of

hooliganism and as to why people were involved in hooliganism. Frosdick &

Marsh (2005) also explain how all-seater stadia and improved stadium facilities

allowed more families to go to football matches and feel safer than they could

before. (Reilly, 1996) argues that since Hillsborough there has been a

downward spiral with football hooliganism, with even those who were unsure

whether the hooligans were trouble or not, now changing their attitude and

deeming hooliganism as unacceptable behaviour. In 1989, at the FA Cup

semi – final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, BBC News (1989)

shows how one of Britain’s greatest football disaster occurred. The match took

place at a neutral venue, Hillsborough, the home ground of Sheffield

Wednesday. BBC News (1989), states that a “crush resulted from too many

Liverpool fans being allowed in to the back of an already full stand at the

Leppings Lane end of the ground” which resulted in the death of ninety-six

football fans. Although the HSDER (1989) highlighted changes which needed

to be made to provide football stadiums with a significant level of health &

safety, many clubs found it difficult to comply with these recommendations due

to the economics of conversion to all seated stadiums. Conn (2005) makes

the point that larger clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United raised the

finance from supporters to fund the upgrade of their stadiums. Manchester

United floated on the stock exchange in 1991 to fund the refurbishment of the

Stretford End of the stadium and raised £10m. Fans who gave money to the

club were allowed a shareholding and a stake within Manchester United

however Conn (2005) shows how Arsenal fans were treated differently. Conn

(2005) states that Arsenal had aimed to raise £16.5m to fund the

refurbishment of their ‘North Bank’ however they hoped to raise the finance by

simply taking from their fans. Bigger clubs were able to produce schemes

such as these as they ultimately have a wider fan base than other clubs;

however not all clubs could attract investment in this way and struggled to

afford the cost of stadium upgrades of tens of millions.

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3 Football Fans

3.1 Demographics

As previously mentioned fan demographics have changed since the Taylor

Report was introduced in 1989. Bale (2000) shows through research into this

area how all seater stadiums have increased the level of comfort for fans at

games which has led to more women and children attending football matches

than ever before. Martinson (2011) shows that in 1985, the year of the Heysel

disaster; the number of female fans attending matches in England was in

single percentage figures. Martinson (2011) however goes onto highlight that

last season ‘23% of supporters attending matches were women’. Conn (2005)

disputes that as football becomes a global phenomenon with clubs being run

by multi-millionaires, it has moved away from being a sport, into being

economics driven. It is not only in Britain that fan demographics have changed

however. With the popularity of sport continuously growing worldwide, it

becomes more important for businesses to tap into untapped markets in order

to get ahead of competitors. As sport becomes increasingly economics driven,

team owners are also requiring looking for new customers to increase fan

bases.

Bale writes in (2000) “The changing face of football: stadiums and

communities” shows how football has changed during the 1990’s and shows

how fans have changed with it. As football becomes more corporate, so do

fans. “The renovation of the grounds in the eyes of the press meant there

would be a change in the relationship between clubs and fans” (King, 1997).

Fans were to be treated as customers, and as consumers they would have to

be impressed by the quality of product in return. These new corporates

running the football clubs saw that there was a large untapped market in

women and children and have made football a spectacle rather than a sporting

competition to suit them. Taylor (1989) shows how all seater stadiums have

undoubtedly added comfort to watching football and therefore encouraged

these people to attend matches.

Martinson (2011) demonstrates how more women and children can now be

seen attending football matches than ever before due to the increased level of

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safety and comfort available at games with the recent example being set in

Turkey. Martinson (2011) states that after violence flared at a recent rival

match between two groups of young males, fans of Fenerbache were

punished by the club by only allowing women and children present at the

match to try and make the atmosphere more comfortable and safe for

everyone. The Guardian (2011) show how the Turkish Football Federation

have imposed new laws so that “Turkish clubs whose fans are involved in

crowd trouble face having all males over the age of 12 banned from their

grounds as an alternative to playing games behind closed doors”. This

resulted in a capacity crowd attending their next match, without a male

present. Robinson (2010) states that football is not only now associated with

men from working-class backgrounds, but from people from all walks of life.

Conn (2005) states there are still a large core of supports that refer to ‘the

good old days’ where they used to stand and drink together with friends at the

football.

Slater (2007), states that the calls for safe standing areas to be introduced into

Scottish football however are growing. Wilson (2011), states that Rangers FC

are one of a handful of Scottish clubs including Motherwell and Celtic that are

‘looking into the potential of replacing seats with a contemporary form of

terracing’. Fans are progressively realising that with increased comfort comes

increased prices. Wilson in The Herald (2011) also states that this move by

Rangers FC came as a result of feedback from fans who hope that this

possibility could become reality (Appendix 1). If safe standing areas were

introduced into Scottish football stadiums, would these women and children

continue to attend or would they feel football was returning to the days of

terracing and cloth caps. This research will provide a basis for this question to

be answered. Many pieces of literature such as Conn (2005) ‘The Beautiful

Game?: Searching For The Lost Soul Of Football’ highlight that all seater

stadia have impacted on football fan demographics and that many people have

been priced out of attending regular football matches. When Taylor (1989)

gave his recommendations he used examples such as Ibrox to show that with

seated stadia, the ticket price does not need to increase. Conn (2005) shows

that very few clubs took this advice on board and many increased their prices

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by sevenfold or more. Another reason that may be altering overall sports fan

demographics and affecting attendances is the increasing level of televised

sport.

3.1 Attendances

As is the case within Scottish football; both English and Spanish football are

heavily reliant on the income from fans attending matches however it could be

argued that revenue gained from television broadcasters has overshadowed

the importance of fans regularly attending matches. A large percentage of

income is now gained from sponsorship so clubs must please sponsors by

attracting large interest in the team and gaining reasonable attendances.

Cornwell & Amis (2005) show how the global sport sponsorship industry is

estimated to have an annual worth of US$24.8 billion dollars. As well as

gaining reasonable attendances it is important that the crowd creates a good

atmosphere and is free of trouble/violence. Whyatt (2008) shows how many

feel that there has been a significant decrease in atmosphere at football

matches. Comments from many fans involved with supporters clubs also

reinstate the opinion that all-seater stadia are having a negative effect on

atmosphere at matches. Gardener (2008), of Middlesbrough’s Official

Supporters Club believes the problem is growing and is down to a few select

factors:-

"Yes, fans want to be entertained, but with a lot of corporate fans going to the

matches now, and with the all-seater grounds, it's having a ripple effect on the

atmosphere".

This single statement is consistent with the overall information which has been

gathered from the literature and enhances the argument for the introduction of

safe standing sections. Whyatt (2008) shows how many fans believe that all

seater stadia has reduced the opportunity for large groups of people who wish

to create atmosphere to do so as they are often spread out throughout the

whole stadium.

Buraimo, Paramio and Campos (2010) highlight the impact that live televised

football has on attendances. Buraimo, Paramio and Campos (2010) show how

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“matches televised at the weekend are estimated to reduce stadium

attendance by 3% and those televised on weekdays by 8%, compared with

non-televised matches at the weekend”. Baimbridge, Cameron, and Dawson

(1996) also show how televised matches in the English Premier League

significantly reduced attendance, on average of 15% during weeknights but not

during weekends. Allan and Roy (2008) show that in Scotland, research

carried out by Strathclyde University (2008) states that live broadcast matches

reduce pay-at-the-gate home supporters by 30%.

This may not be a major problem short term however it may lead to a major

problem long term, if it is not addressed. If more and more fans are attracted

by televised football and opt for this instead of attending matches live, then the

long term problem is that many fans will not return. Many football clubs rely

heavily on television coverage or other forms of media as their main source of

income, as opposed to income generated from gate receipts. The % of

income generated from gate receipts may only be small however it could be

argued that it is ultimately the most important. Conn (2005) shows how many

fans have been driven away from football as prices constantly rise. As well as

live televised matches, increased prices within Scottish football may also be

contributing to a decrease in attendances. Hartley-Parkinson in the Daily Mail

(2011) demonstrates how the situation is similar in England with prices

increasing 1000% over the last two decades. Hartley-Parkinson (2011) states

that the cheapest season ticket at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium would have cost

just £60 in 1989-90 season however this has risen to £725 ‘a rise of 1108%’.

The increase in price has also had an impact on the demographic of the fans

that go to matches. “The number of 16-year-olds going to matches now was

just nine per cent in the 2006-07 season compared to 22 per cent in 1983”

(Hartley-Parkinson, 2011).

In Germany however average attendances are ever increasing as ‘Figure 1’

below shows, which could be the result of a cheaper pricing structure. Soccer

By The Numbers (2011) shows that an average of 41,802 spectators every

fixture ensures that the German Bundesliga is the most popular football league

in the world. ‘Figure 2’ shows how the German Bundesliga is only second to

the NFL for average attendances of professional sports.

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Figure 1

Soccer By The Numbers (2011)

Figure 2

Soccer By The Numbers (2011)

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3.2 The Situation Today

Since 2007 there have been increasing calls for safe standing sections to be

introduced in both Scottish and English top flight games. There are many

campaigns and opinion polls suggesting safe standing sections should be

introduced in British football stadiums, however since 2006 the Football

Supporters’ Federation (FSF) have campaigned for many things with one of

their main campaigns being the introduction of safe standing areas in British

football grounds, such as the area shown in ‘Figure 3’.

Figure 3

Safe standing section in Galatasary FC’s new ‘Turk Telekom Arena’

(Galatasary, 2011).

Conn (2012), states that German football has pioneered the way forward for

safe standing sections with almost every high profile stadium containing a safe

standing section. The Stadium Guide (2012) shows how Borrusia Dortmund’s

Westfalenstadion boasts a capacity of 80,720 with 25,000 of these for standing

places which can be seen in ‘Figure 4’.

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Figure 4

Borrusia Dortmund fans make plenty of colour and noise in the safe standing

section in Westfalenstadion (The Stadium Guide, 2012).

Tickets for the seated area range from €28 - €49 with a ticket for the standing

area under €15. These safe standing sections can be transformed into

reduced capacity seated areas if the teams who occupy them are playing in a

European competition as UEFA require grounds to be all seated to compete in

European tournaments; however McDermott (2011) shows that safe standing

sections comply with UEFA rules for domestic fixtures. Below ‘Figure 5’ is the

standing section within Aalesunds FK’s, Color Line Stadion. This picture was

taken first hand by the researcher on a recent trip to Norway, where the club

are based. The standing section within the stadium is permitted in Norway

however it is not classed as safe standing therefore whenever Aalesunds FK

play in European competition there is no entry to this part of the stadium

(AaFK, 2012).

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Figure 5

The standing section within Aalesunds FK’s ‘Color Line Stadion’.

The current pieces of literature are important for the research as they prove

that the subject is a modern topic and something which the authorities face a

distinct dilemma. Only recently has the campaign attracted attention from one

of the country’s leading political parties. Recently Liberal Democrat Shadow

Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Don Foster insisted “we cannot ignore the

large numbers of fans who want to stand, and are doing so in seating areas”

‘Figure 6’.

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Figure 6

Motherwell fans standing in seated sections at their recent match against

Aberdeen at Pittodrie (The Daily Record, 2011).

The topic of safe standing has been well publicised in the media as recently as

November 2011. Swan (2011) shows how at a recent match between

Aberdeen and Motherwell; the Motherwell fans were ejected from the stadium

for consistently standing (Appendix 2). This added to the weight of the safe

standing argument and whether or not these sections should be introduced.

The Daily Record (2011) has increased the intensity of the argument of

whether safe standing should be introduced (Appendix 3, 4 & 5) and also by

highlighting the opinions of key figures and fans:-

Neil Doncaster (SPL Chief Executive) – "We are very much open to looking at

ways to improve the match day experience and one of the most common

suggestions from fans is safe standing. The introduction of safe standing

areas would require a change of SPL and SFA rules as both prohibit standing

in the top flight. Clubs would need to vote to change our rules but we are open

to the idea if anyone wishes to explore safe standing."

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Colin McCredie (Actor and St.Johnstone fan) – “I’m a big believer that there

should be a standing area. People should have the choice because standing

can generate atmosphere. St.Johnstone are talking about getting rid of a

stand and I’d love to see them put in a standing area for 1000 behind the goal.

Every ground should have a standing area.”

Martin Compston (Actor, Celtic fan and former Morton player) – “There should

be standing areas. I’ve been a season ticket holder at Celtic Park over the

years but sometimes I’d still go to watch Morton and the atmosphere in the

‘cowshed’ at the ground is always great. It’s because groups of mates get to

go and stand together. It’s known as a lively area of the stadium and you can

choose to go there or not.”

Hamish Husband (Tartan Army) – “One always has to take Hillsborough into

account, but I would look to Germany. Dortmund have the biggest terracing in

Europe, which turns into seating for European games. That’s the model we

could bring into Scotland and have, say, Old Firm games seated. Standing

adds to atmosphere, which is one of the reasons people go to football

matches.”

Tam Cowan (Pundit and Motherwell fan) – “We can never talk down the

stadium disasters, but those were high profile games with big crowds and

aspects of safety have changed after them. I don’t see why, for example, a

game like St.Mirren v Dunfermline has to have everyone in an allocated seat

when there’s clearly plenty of space inside the stadium. It’s common sense.

In some cases, the safety aspect is greatly exaggerated; often stadiums are

only one third full.”

Strathclyde Police – "Strathclyde Police are aware of various campaigns

aiming to re-introduce standing terraces at football matches. The safety of

fans at all matches is paramount and all matters regarding safety are the

responsibility of the Safety Team, which is made up of representatives from the

police, fire service, local councils and officials from the club."

Daily Record (2011)

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The Daily Record (2011) has also contacted clubs, gaining mixed responses:-

Aberdeen – “Our move to a new stadium is less than two seasons away

and a standing section is something we’re looking into. As long as it’s safe, no

one can argue that it wouldn’t add to the atmosphere. The feedback we’ve

had so far is that the supporters would be keen on it.”

Hearts – “It’s something we would be interested in. We did a survey in

the summer and 47% of fans said they would be interested in a standing

section.”

Motherwell – “A couple of years ago the debate was raised about safe-

standing and a few eyes rolled, but as the financial squeeze has come in it is

changing again. You can’t have it all around the ground but in certain

situations there has to be a judgement call if there is no danger to safety.”

St.Mirren – “It’s not something we would look into because our new

stadium isn’t suited to it. If you allow some people to stand then others will

exercise their right to do so as well. It would be very difficult to do.”

St.Johnstone – “As one of the first clubs to adhere to the Taylor Report

we’re aware of why the guidelines were introduced; however we are open to

any suggestion which could help get more fans along to the game.”

Dunfermline – “We would look at anything that would bring money into

the game and the fans would be keen on, but we would have to have a look at

where would be practical for standing. Some areas of the ground would be a

nightmare because they are made for seating so we would need to make

considerable changes.”

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Hamilton Academicals – “Regulations state all fans must be seated in

our stadium. If clubs continually break these rules, the local authority will put

sanctions in place which could include a reduction in capacity. To use Celtic

as an example, they could have they’re capacity lowered due to the Green

Brigade constantly standing in that particular area of the ground. At all-seated

stadium like ours you simply can’t have a specific standing area.”

Livingston – “We can understand big clubs wanting this if their stadium

is full to capacity, but that’s certainly not the case. We have no interest in a

standing section because there are small attendances all around the country.

We don’t see the point.”

Dundee – “In principle, we aren’t against standing areas but it’s clear

from health and safety guidelines that standing in seated areas is dangerous.

It’s not something we’re interested in.”

Partick Thistle – “It would improve the atmosphere at Firhill and

supporters have already told us they would be keen on it. We don’t see why it

couldn’t be done.”

Celtic – “We are carrying out a study into the possibility of introducing a

safe standing area in Parkhead.”

Daily Record (2011)

The Daily Record (2011) has gained mixed responses from both SPL and

Scottish Football League (SFL) clubs on the safe standing debate. The

research highlights that clubs feel that the financial implications of installing

safe standing sections to be a major stumbling block when considering the

move away from seated areas, to a safe standing section. As the campaign

increases its intensity, the question regarding the authorisation of safe

standing sections be allowed becomes more prevalent. Conn (2012), states

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that the current situation in Scotland is also being matched in England with

clubs such as Aston Villa, also exploring the possibility of a safe standing

section. Conn (2012) shows how Villa’s Chief Executive, Paul Faulkner,

recognises that safe standing areas could improve atmosphere at matches

and allow for cheaper ticket prices within the stadium to attract younger

supports currently priced out of football. There is understandably caution

when the debate arises with the memories of both Heysel and Hillsborough still

fresh in the mind of football fans however with the increase of health and

safety and modern technology it could be argued that football is safer

nowadays than in previous years. Improved forms of policing football fans, as

well as the increase of security technology such as CCTV, has also helped

make football safer than it once was. The Daily Record (2011) also provides

evidence from Scottish police chief Les Gray who insists that standing zones

are dangerous and attracts troublemakers (Appendix 4). Gray argues ‘that

people go into a standing area because they want to misbehave’, something

which all seater stadiums have eradicated. The research will aim to establish

whether fans feel that the introduction of safe standing would encourage

misbehaviour and decrease the level of safety at Scottish matches.

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3.3 Conclusion

In conclusion there are many pieces of literature that have aided the research.

Many pieces of this literature review are current which shows that the topic of

safe standing sections and whether they should be introduced into top flight

Scottish football stadia or not is a very contemporary topic. The literature

shows how football has changed throughout the years and how fans have

changed with it. With the actual football stadium modifying dramatically over

the past twenty years it has allowed a pathway for businessmen, women and

children to attend matches alongside the historically associated working class

male. All seater stadia and improved facilities have made it more comfortable

for the spectator which has increased the number of women and children

attending matches, which some believe has led to the downfall of atmospheres

at a number of Scottish football grounds. The calls for safe standing sections

to be introduced into Scottish football are gradually increasing with the

situation changing constantly. There is both evidence and arguments for and

against the introduction of safe standing areas with many believing it is a

question of whether to retain tradition, or remove it. With each week new

information about the possibility of a return to terracing for many Scottish

football fans is highlighted and this dissertation aims to seek the opinions and

attitudes of Motherwell FC fans which will either support or oppose the

argument. The literature review will be cross-tabulated with the research data

to give an overall view on the opinions of fans for safe standing sections.

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4 Methodology

4.1 Sample Population

The initial proposal was for one hundred participants to be selected to

complete a questionnaire before a Motherwell FC home game; however after a

consultation with the dissertation tutor is was decided that there may be more

appropriate research methods. It was decided that instead of handing out

questionnaires face to face to Motherwell FC fans, an online survey would be

created using ‘Surveymonkey’ and posted on a Motherwell FC fans forum for

participants to complete. The sample will be selected using non-probability

sampling which as Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009) show can be

associated with survey based research. The sampling frame will be the

members of the Motherwell FC fans forum ‘Steelmenonline’. The proposed

participants for the research are males and females aged between sixteen and

sixty. Participants will have the choice of whether or not they wish to

participate in the survey. Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009), show that the

next stage is to decide on a suitable sample size however as this is entirely

voluntary there will be no way of predicting how any participants will respond to

the chance to complete the survey and as Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009)

show has no rules. Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009) state that to answer

the research question the researcher may have to undertake an in depth study

which allows the sample to provide information which can be explored to gain

theoretical insight. Patton (2002) highlights that this type of research usually

depends on the quality of the researcher’s analysis skills rather than the

sample population.

4.2 Research Philosophy

To assist with the methods and research design Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill

(2009) ‘research onion’ will be used. The research onion has six layers;

philosophies, approaches, strategies, choices, time horizons and techniques

and procedures. First of all the philosophy chosen is pragmatism. Saunders,

Lewis & Thornhill (2009), show that pragmatism realises that the research

question dictates the researcher’s views on the world, known as ontology.

Epistemology is concerned with what constitutes valuable knowledge in the

field of study. It is felt that the researcher has a vast knowledge of the subject

which has been increased through reading of relevant literature. The

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researcher has a subjectivism view which is “the view that social phenomena

are created from the perceptions and consequent actions of social actors”

(Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). This researcher will take on the role of

the ‘feelings researcher’ as the dissertation is concerned with the feelings and

opinions of the sample population, which are viewed as social phenomena

which have no external reality. The pragmatism philosophy allows mixed

research designs, both qualitative and quantitative, which will be used in both

quantitative questionnaires and a qualitative research focus group.

4.3 Research Approach

The next layer of the research ‘onion’ is the research approach; this can either

be inductive or deductive. For this specific investigation the chosen research

approach is the inductive approach. “This is where the researcher collects

data and develops theory as a result of the data analysis”, (Saunders, Lewis &

Thornhill, 2009). This would occur as the researcher analyses the data

gathered from the sample population to examine whether or not fan attitudes

and opinions would change if safe standing sections were introduced into

Scottish football.

4.4 Research Strategy

The third layer of the research ‘onion’ is the research strategy. For this

dissertation the research strategy being employed is that of a case study.

(Robson, 2002) defines case study as a strategy for carrying out research

which “involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary

phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence”.

Case Study has also described by (Yin, 1994) as an “empirical inquiry that

investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real life context”. By doing

a case study on football fans in their natural environment it allows the

researcher to observe exactly how they would act and as a result theorise the

possible requirement or desire from fans for safe standing sections within top

flight Scottish football stadia.

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4.5 Method Choice

The method choice is the fourth layer of the research ‘onion’ and for this

dissertation a mixed method approach will be taken. Mainly qualitative data

will be gathered in the form of a face to face open ended discussion in the form

of a focus group to gain the participants true feelings on safe standing areas.

The focus group will consist of 6 participants who have agreed to be part of the

focus group via the questionnaire and will take place within the Davie Cooper

Suite, Fir Park, Motherwell. Qualitative data is a data analysis procedure that

generates or uses non – numerical data (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009).

This will allow me to gain valuable information on fans’ attitudes and opinions.

Quantitative data will be gathered in the form of closed ended questionnaires

using an online survey. The survey will be produced using ‘Surveymonkey’

and will consist of a mixture of closed ended and open ended questions. It

was decided that this approach would be the best approach as it allows the

researcher to produce a richer set of results. This provides quantitative data

which when gathered and analysed can be used to investigate the attitudes

and opinions of the sample population to be compared. By using a mixed

method design it allows triangulation to take place. Bryman (2006) explains

triangulation as 'the use of two or more independent sources of data to

corroborate research findings within a study'. This research study will use

triangulation because as well as the questionnaires and focus group with the

fans themselves; the health and safety stadium manager at Motherwell FC will

also be asked for his views on safe standing sections at football. Finally the

opinion of Scottish clubs themselves will be gained. Representatives from

clubs will give their opinion on the safe standing argument and whether or not

their respective clubs are interested in bringing back a safe standing section at

their ground. This adds validity to the study as it investigates three different

opinions.

As stated above; data will be collected in the form of both an online survey and

by participants participating in a focus group. Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill

(2009), show how unstructured interviews are informal and are used to explore

a general are in depth. This will be similar to the focus group. Participants

who complete the online survey will be asked whether they would like to be

considered for the focus group and the final participants will be selected from

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this group. The interviewer may not have a structured list of questions that will

be asked; however they will have a clear idea on the subject which they want

to explore. The interviewee is given the chance to talk freely and dictates the

structure of the interview. This is best suited for this dissertation as it will be

used in order to gain the respondent’s true feelings and opinions. The focus

group will be taped using digital recording equipment and transcribed verbatim

at a later date. Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009), show that transcribing is

simply reproducing the audio into a word document, thus providing a word by

word account of the focus group. These will be kept in a locked drawer with

access limited to only the researcher and the study supervisor according to

UWS research procedures and ethical requirements of the study. These will

also be deleted after the dissertation is completed.

4.6 Time Horizons

Time horizons can alter depending on what the research question is. For this

investigation, the time horizon used will be the cross sectional study. The

initial research approach would have required the researcher to hand out 25

questionnaires at each home game over the course of 8 weeks however by

gathering the data through an online survey it allows the data to be collected in

two weeks and also without the need for the researcher to collect it face to

face. “Many case studies are based on interviews conducted over a short

period of time” (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). The focus group will take

place within the Davie Cooper Suite, Fir Park, Motherwell and will last

approximately one hour. This location has been chosen as it allows the fans to

feel comfortable in the surroundings which is hoped will allow them to provide

more honest opinions, which allows for better information to be gained. The

credibility of research findings depend on two main things; reliability and

validity. Reliability refers to how well the data collection technique or analysis

procedure used will yield constant findings. Reliability can be threatened by a

number of factors. Robson (2002) highlights four threats to reliability: subject

or participant error, subject or participant bias, observer error and observer

bias. The researcher must make sure none of these affect the results

obtained. It is important that none of the participants feel pressured into giving

a certain answer or feel that they cannot express their true opinions; especially

during the focus group. “Validity is concerned with whether the findings are

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really about what they appear to be about” (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill,

2009). Robson (2002) shows how factors such as history, testing,

instrumentation, morality and maturation can all affect the validity of the

research proposal.

4.7 Data Analysis

As stated above, this research study takes an inductive approach meaning that

the researcher collects data and then explores it to see which themes or

issues follow up and concentrate on (Yin, 2003). To analyse the data, the

analysis process that will be used is categorisation. The quantitative online

survey will be analysed using simple statistics. The open ended questions on

the survey will also be analysed and key themes in participants’ answers

highlighted and discussed. The qualitative data collected from the focus group

will also be analysed and the key themes highlighted from participants’

answers will be used in contrast with the answers gained from the survey.

Once the data is collected it will be analysed to produce the final results and

discussion.

4.8 Limitations of the Study

There are a number of limitations that could have an impact on the

effectiveness of the dissertation. There might be a large number of

participants who refused to take part in the study therefore endangering the

whole dissertation. As the online survey will be put on the Motherwell FC fans

forum it creates the possibility of less participants carrying out the study.

There is a possibility of the online survey not being easy to understand or

access which may have hindered the overall quality of the data. Participants

may not understand the questions or feel uncomfortable answering the

questions which may hinder the amount of information gathered. A main

problem that could come from the study is the ability for participants to add

comments to some of the questions on the online survey, which may lead to

some inappropriate answers being given. Language or vernacular problems

may also be an issue as well as the researcher having to be familiar with

football terminology and phrases in order to fully understand participants.

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4.9 Self-Reflection

If time constraints were not an issue there may have been an opportunity to

add further quality to the dissertation by getting more participants to fill out

survey by allowing the survey to stay online for longer. There may also have

been an opportunity to carry out a wider scale survey which encompassed

fans of other teams throughout Scotland and not only those of Motherwell FC.

The transcription of the focus group discussion also required a lot of effort and

time as the researcher had to write a word for word account of the day.

Looking back it may have been easier and less time consuming had the

researcher paid a professional to do this.

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5 Quantitative Results & Discussion

The data gathered from the quantitative data will be analysed and compared to

the data collected from the qualitative data. As well as this, the data will then

be compared to previous literature and the clubs’ attitudes and opinions on

safe standing sections to complete the triangulation procedure. This allows a

comparison to be established and will assist in gaining an overall opinion of

whether fans wish safe standing sections to be introduced within Scottish

football.

A total of one hundred and fifty one participants completed the quantitative

survey which was set up using surveymonkey (2012)1. It was felt that by

gathering data this way it allowed for a richer data set to be collected. The

initial research approach was to hand out questionnaires to one hundred

Motherwell FC fans before matches over the course of four weeks; however by

creating an online survey and posting it on the Motherwell fans forum,

steelmenonline (2012)2 it allowed the data to be collected within a week. It

also assisted in gathering an extra fifty one participants who would not have

been able to participate had the previous research approach been taken.

The data gathered highlights a number of key themes contained in the results.

One hundred and forty five participants were males which represented 97% of

the total population sample. The research allowed participants who were aged

16 and over which led to a wide age range taking part in the survey (Figure 7).

1 www.surveymonkey.com

2 www.steelmenonline.co.uk

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Figure 7

This table shows the age range of the participants.

Age appeared to be a main theme throughout the results with many fans

referring to age affecting their choice to either sit or stand at matches as some

quotes from the survey below show: -

Given the choice would you prefer to sit or stand at matches?

“Getting too old to stand at games now.”

“Too old to stand for 90 mins!”

“Getting on a bit and quite like to sit if the game is dull”.

“Going with a young family meant that seating was ideal. Now they are older it

would be good to watch football in an environment that does more to

encourage an atmosphere at a game.”

These comments highlight how age has an impact on fans’ choice of whether

to sit or stand. (Figure 8) also shows how fans’ age has influenced their

decision to sit or stand at matches. The information gathered shows that

between the ages of 16-20 no fans replied that given the choice, they would

prefer to sit at matches. It also shows that every age range would prefer to

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stand at matches, apart from the 50-59 year olds who given the choice would

prefer to sit.

Figure 8

This table shows the age of people who preferred to sit or stand at matches.

As a result of policies such as HSDER (1990) Scottish Premier League

stadiums are currently all seated, including Motherwell’s Fir Park Stadium.

The research aims to gather information on what fans would prefer if the safe

standing sections were introduced.

The survey also asked the question would you expect to pay less for a ticket in

the standing section than you would in the seated section: and if the safe

standing section was cheaper would it affect your decision of where to sit?

105 participants felt that if a safe standing section was introduced they would

expect to pay less than they would to attend the seated section. Just over

65% (98 participants) stated that if the safe standing section was cheaper, they

would prefer to watch the matches from this area. Compared to only 18.7%

(28 participants) who said they would remain in the seated area, it shows that

a large number of participants believe that price will affect their decisions

(Figure 9). Conn (2005) states that many fans have been priced out of football

as clubs increased ticket prices after the introduction of all seater stadiums.

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The data would appear to show that for many the introduction of safe standing

and the possibility of cheaper tickets would appeal to participants.

Figure 9

This table shows whether fans would prefer to sit or stand if the standing

section was cheaper to attend.

The overall results show that the majority of participants would prefer to stand

if they were given the choice. The data gathered highlights the fact that age

has a major effect on participants’ decision to either sit or stand at football. As

previous literature suggests, many feel that the introduction of safe standing

sections would help to reduce prices and encourage an increase in

attendances. Hartley-Parkinson (2011) shows that the number of 16 year olds

regularly attending football matches has dramatically decreased since 1983,

however the data gathered from the survey suggests that none of the

participants in 16-20 age range wish to sit at football and believe that if a safe

standing section was introduced then it should be cheaper to attend. The

forced option to sit at football matches combined with escalating ticket prices

may have had an impact on the number of 16 year olds attending matches.

Conn (2005) states that as prices consistently increase; many fans have been

driven away from football. The survey also highlights the fact that price plays

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an important role in the decision making of participants and that many feel that

if tickets for standing were cheaper, they would prefer to stand rather than sit.

Another main theme that appeared from the data results was that who

participants attended matches with, affected their preference to sit or stand.

(Figure 10) shows the number of fans who would prefer to sit or stand at

matches cross tabulated with who participants attend matches with. The table

shows that the majority of participants would prefer to stand no matter who

they attended matches with.

Figure 10

This table highlights whether the person a participant attends matches with

influences their preference to sit or stand at matches.

As the figure shows a vast number of participants who wish to stand attend

matches with friends. This also coincides with previous literature with Conn

(2005) stating there are still large cores of supports that refer to ‘the good old

days’ where they used to stand and drink together with friends at the football.

Given the choice, would you prefer to sit or stand at matches?

“Easier to keep warm, encourages more involvement with what happening on

the park. Easier to move around and talk to different people.”

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“Freedom to move about and enjoy game, reminisent of when started watching

football.”

“It would enhance social development and interactions with peers.”

“It’s how I was brought up to watch football, and find it more enjoyable. I also

feel that the crowd are "more involved" when standing, and slightly "removed"

when seated.”

“More versatility to move around, stand with friends or like minded people.”

The chance to move around the stadium at will and stand with friends at

football matches still appeals to many fans as comments from the survey

show. These comments demonstrate how participants feel that being able to

move around the stadium it can enhance the social aspect of attending

matches, which many feel is a part of the game. Whyatt (2008) also shows

how fans believe that the nature of all-seater stadia, with specific seats for

people, has ended the chance of large groups of vocal supporters being able

to sit beside each other. There is evidence from the participants that this is

also believed to be the case.

The survey also highlighted that atmosphere was an important factor when

choosing whether to sit or stand. In a question asking ‘Given the choice would

you prefer to stand?’ a comment box was provided for fans to explain why they

would prefer to sit or stand. Out of the 79 responses, 38 participants

highlighted that their choice would be affected by atmosphere. This is also

highlighted in previous literature with the Daily Record (2011) showing key

figures and fans also believed that standing at football matches helped to

create a better atmosphere.

Overall the data gathered from the quantitative survey highlights a number of

key themes which affect participants’ preference to either sit or stand at

matches; age, price and atmosphere. This coincides with previous literature

which highlights these themes as being important factors for football fans

attending matches.

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6 Qualitative Results & Discussion

Qualitative data was gathered in the form of a focus group. The focus group

took place on 2nd March, 2012, in The Electric Bar, Motherwell and lasted

approximately twenty minutes. The focus group consisted of five people who

were asked about their own opinions and attitudes towards the potential

introduction of safe standing sections within Scottish stadiums. Each

participant will be known by codename to keep their identity hidden with their

age also stated beside them:

Person 1 (P1) – 22

Person 2 (P2) – 56

Person 3 (P3) – 18

Person 4 (P4) – 24

Person 5 (P5) – 31

(Appendix 6) is the transcription from the focus group and shows the full

conversation had by the researcher and the participants. As the methodology

section shows, the initial sample population for the focus group was six

participants who completed the online survey however one participant failed to

attend which resulted in only five participants taking part in the focus group.

The focus group allowed the researcher to gain further data and information on

fans’ attitudes and opinions on the possible introduction of a safe standing

section at Motherwell FC. The key themes that were highlighted from the

focus group were consistent with the themes highlighted from the survey and

from the literature.

The majority of participants felt that a better atmosphere could be created in a

safe standing section than it would be in an all seated section. Once again this

affected participants’ preference to either sit or stand at matches. This is also

consistent with the previous literature as Whyatt (2008) shows how many fans

and important figures in football believe that the atmosphere is deteriorating.

Whyatt (2008) states that many fans believe that as clubs’ aim to increase the

number of corporate fans that attend matches the atmosphere will continue to

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be diluted. It is also shown that many fans blame all seater stadia for the

reduction in atmosphere. This is reinstated with a vast number of participants

from the survey stating that they wish to stand at matches as it helps to

improve atmosphere however in contrast to the literature review many feel

there are other reasons why atmosphere is deteriorating. The literature review

suggests that an increase of women and children may have reduced the

overall noise levels at matches; however from analysing both qualitative and

quantitative data it highlights that many fans feel that the reduction of large

groups of friends being able to sit beside each other has had a more negative

impact on atmosphere.

Another theme that was highlighted was that age is also a factor when

determining participants’ preference to sit or stand; as a comment from a

participant shows (Appendix 6):-

“As I get older though I imagine that sitting will become more appealing

however I’d quite like the opportunity to make a choice to sit or stand at

matches”.

The comment from this participant indicates that his age will determine his

preference to sit or stand at matches. This is also evident with the quantitative

data gathered from the survey. As well as this; who the participant attends

matches with also appears to be factor when deciding on whether they would

prefer to sit or stand at matches. The quantitative data highlights the fact that

if participants are with friends they are more likely to want to stand at matches.

It also highlights that a number of fans with children (under the age of 16)

would prefer to sit which was also highlighted in the focus group as this quote

shows;-

“To be honest I’m not bothered. I currently sit in The Cooper Stand with my

two girls and I would still sit there if a safe standing section was introduced”.

The results from both the qualitative and quantitative data are consistent with

each other as well as the literature. The key themes highlighted from the data

are that age is an important factor for participants when choosing their

preference to either sit or stand at matches. Atmosphere also has a major

influence on the majority of participants who feel that if a standing section was

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introduced it was help to increase the atmosphere at matches, with many

willing to be involved with this. These themes also tie in with the literature

which provides evidence that this is the case.

There were a number of limitations to the overall research. The online survey

allowed participants the opportunity to add comments to a number of questions

to explain their answers. Although most participants answered appropriately,

there were a number who answered inappropriately. Surveymonkey also

allowed access to 100 of the responses for free however as the survey gained

a total of 151 responses it was decided that in order to access the full data set,

the researcher had to pay a total of £24. As well as this printing costs also had

to be met as well as binding costs so overall the whole process was quite

costly. The time constraints placed on the researcher also limited the

effectiveness of the results as it may have been rushed through in order to be

completed in time; thus reducing the dissertation quality.

7 Conclusion & Recommendations

To conclude, the research has shown that there is a real desire among fans for

safe standing sections to be introduced into Scottish football stadiums. The

research has shown that a majority of participants, if given the choice, would

prefer to stand at matches as opposed to sitting down. Age, atmosphere and

who participants attended matches with were key factors which influenced their

opinions and attitudes on the topic. It is felt that by gaining this data it has

allowed evidence to be produced that the literature can be backed up with

primary research to show that fans would like the option of standing to watch

football matches.

The aims of the research was to gain Motherwell FC fans’ attitudes and

opinions on the possible introduction of safe standing sections within Scottish

football and it is felt that the research achieved this.

The research provides a base for potential future research to be conducted.

Future research could be in the form of further case studies at other Scottish

clubs or on a national level to gain a wider sample population. The data has

been gathered and analysed to show the opinions of fans of Motherwell FC,

however the research approach could be used to gain fans opinions to gain a

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nationwide opinion. As the debate is currently in the Scottish media it is

believed that now is the correct time for fans to be listened to and be shown

that their opinions matter in Scottish football. The introduction of safe standing

sections is clearly in demand with fans and it is hoped that further research will

go on to ensure these are in introduced in Scottish football.

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8 References & Bibliography

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[INTERNET], Available from:

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Appendix 1

The Herald article by Wilson (2011) highlights the fact that Rangers are to investigate the possibility of introducing a safe standing section within Ibrox Stadium.

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Appendix 2

The Daily Record article by Swan (2011), after visiting Motherwell fans were thrown out of their match against Aberdeen due to standing.

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Appendix 3

The Daily Record increases the intensity of the safe standing debate by producing many articles on the subject, both for and against.

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Appendix 4

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Appendix 5

The Daily Record (2011) gives an insight as to how the safe standing sections work in Germany.

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Appendix 6

Focus Group Discussion

The focus group took place on 2nd March, 2012, in The Electric Bar, Motherwell and lasted approximately twenty minutes. The focus group consisted of five people who were asked about their own opinions and attitudes towards the potential introduction of safe standing sections within Scottish stadiums. Each participant will be known by codename to keep their identity hidden:

Person 1 (P1) – 22

Person 2 (P2) – 56

Person 3 (P3) – 18

Person 4 (P4) – 24

Person 5 (P5) – 31

Discussion

Hi everyone, right eh first of all thanks for attending this focus group. Just give you a wee insight, the purpose of this focus group is to gain your opinions and attitudes on the introduction of safe standing sections within Scottish football. Erm obviously as there are 5 of you here it would be appreciated if you could raise your hand before speaking as the recording device may struggle to pick up 2 voices at once. I’ve just got a few questions for you to ask and all I ask is that you answer as honestly as possible. If you feel uncomfortable at any point or feel like you don’t want to take part anymore then please let me know and you are free to walk away.

Okay? Alright eh first question.

Given the choice, would you prefer to sit or stand at matches and why?

P1 – “Eh I’d prefer to stand at matches. A think it helps to create a bit of atmosphere and you can get involved with the game a bit more. You kinda feel like you can have an impact on the game. Ermmm”.

P2 – “Aye I agree, I think it helps people get a bit more involved and feel they can influence things on the park”.

Alright. (Look to the next person)

P3 – “Eh I’d prefer tae stand. I currently sit with my dad in the East but I’d quite like the chance tae stand. Erm my brother stands up the end of the East and the atmosphere is really good, so if the chance came and the section was brought in there then I’d quite to stand. I think it would be good tae give the fans a choice of what they’d prefer”.

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P4 – “I’m not bothered either way to be honest. I think it would be wise to give fans the option of what they want to do as it might stop a lot of the problems that happen the now with people blocking other people’s views and things. I choose to sit currently as that’s all I’ve really known. As I get older though I imagine that sitting will become more appealing however I’d quite like the opportunity to make a choice to sit or stand at matches”.

P5 – “To be honest I’m not bothered. I currently sit in The Cooper Stand with my two girls and I would still sit there if a safe standing section was introduced”.

Alright so if the safe standing section was introduced in the section where you currently sit, would you continue to attend that section and stand? Or would you move elsewhere in the stadium to facilitate your wish to sit?

P5 – “Well as The Cooper Stand is currently the family section I doubt the club would propose a safe standing section in this part of the ground so I’d be fine. But if they did I’d be looking for the club to propose a new family section where I could go with the girls”.

P1 – “I think the East is the only place you could have a standing zone. If it was brought in there then I’d be wanting to watch the matches from there”.

P3 – “I’d stay in my section if they brought the standing section in where I am. Fingers crossed. I reckon the East is the only place you could have it though”.

P2 – “Aye am the same. Cooper’s a no-go and the Main’s too old so it would need to be the East. Its already built on top of the previous terracing so surely wouldn’t be too hard to convert”.

P1 – “Need to remove all the seats and stuff though”.

P4 – “Aye it wouldn’t be as simple as many think. I’d cross that bridge if it came to it. I think I’d be angry though if the club forced me to move”.

P2 – “I imagine though the club wouldn’t just tell you you’re moving. Would need to be some dialogue with the fans to see what they felt would be the, the eh, best area to have it”.

P1 – “Aye like you say, the East would be the only viable stand to accommodate a safe standing section so it would surely be proposed there. Only thing would be, what sections? Last two next to the South is where most folk stand the now so would probably be there but a dunno if that would block people’s views in other sections”.

P4 – “Aye a doubt the third section in from the left would be able to see past everyone, would depend on how busy it was. If the standing section blocked my view then I wouldn’t be happy, unless it's done properly I think it would cause more hassle than what it’s worth.

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Alright then so do you feel the introduction of safe standing sections would be a positive or negative change within Scottish football?

P2 – “Eh aye, I think they would have a positive effect on Scottish football. I reckon they would help to create a bit more atmosphere at games. I reckon though that you’d need to give folk the option of what they want to do, cause you canny have some folk standing and some sitting in the same area cause that’ll just cause hassle”.

P5 – “I agree but the section would have to be in a separate part of the stadium so that people weren’t blocking other people’s view. I like sitting though so it wouldn’t really affect me or my kids.

P1 – “I’m all for safe standing sections being introduced. It would help to add atmosphere to Scottish football which has decreased massively over the last 10 to 15 years. I remember just being a wee boy around 94/95 and looking back it was really noisy at games, like loads of folk singing and stuff. It was seated then too but since then a lot of the noisy fans have seemed to have been priced out of going to games and have been replaced with loads of families. It’s not the same. I think that having safe standing sections would maybe help those who can’t afford to go attend more matches and maybe bring back a bit of atmosphere”.

So would you expect a safe standing section ticket to be cheaper than a ticket for a seated part of the stadium?

P1 – “Aye. Not sure by how much though. Even if it was just a couple of quid cheaper I reckon you’d convince a few folk who usually wouldn’t go to go.

P4 – “See that’s the thing. Would it be any cheaper? I don’t think clubs would agree to make it cheaper as they’d lose money which they can’t afford to do. Look at Rangers. Trying to tell me they’d be happy with lowering prices in the situation they’re in? Especially after they would need to pay for the installation of the section and stuff.

What do you think? (Aimed at P3)

P3 – “I’m not sure it would be either positive or negative. I think it would be good but is there a real want for it”?

P1 – “Do you read the papers”?

Laughter

P1 – “There have been stories about it in the papers and stuff”.

P3 – “But will clubs really install these unless there is actual evidence that fans want it and will pay for it”?

P2 – “Aye a reckon there is a change in football at the moment which means clubs need to listen to fans more. If fans want it, they’ll get it”.

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P5 – “Don’t think it’s as clear cut as that to be honest. There’s a lot of health and safety to get past before these are brought in so even if fans want it, it might still not even happen. Plus I can’t see the police being very supportive of it”.

P2 – “I reckon there is a want for safe standing, however I don’t think tickets will be any cheaper for that part of the stadium. Clubs wouldn’t want to lose any money. I think many fans realise that the game is stagnating and there is a need for change throughout the whole of Scottish football. We need to try things to try and get people back through the turnstiles”.

So do you think prices need to be reduced to attract people to come back?

P2 – “I think it would definitely encourage people to come back. A lot of folk have been priced out of regular football cause clubs charge twenty odd quid a ticket. It’s too dear to give week in week out. There should be a clear pricing structure straight across the board, like a tenner for kids and fifteen for adults. If yeh had that in every stadium I reckon you’d see an increase in attendances.

P3 – “See I’m no too bad cause I still pay student prices for my season ticket and at away games and stuff. No looking forward to when I need to pay adult prices though cause a doubt I’d be able to go to as many games as I do now”.

P5 – “See Motherwell are really good like they’ve got deals on for kids going free and that. But for me and the two girls to go to an away game I could pay anywhere up to £50. It’s ridiculous”!

P2 – “Aye it’s a joke”.

P1 – “I’m the same as P2 I’m still a student so usually get in for about twelve quid which is alright. A would grudge paying twenty quid though to go and watch football that’s average at best. Got to add everything up. Add in transport, a carry out (alcohol) and scran (food) and your easy fifty quid as well.

P4 – “Aye get your priorities right”.

Laughter

P4 – “I’ve only just finished uni so can still get away with using my student card this year but I doubt I’ll make as many games next season as I have this year cause of the price. As P1 says by the time you’ve got yer carry out etc, few pints in the pub, the whole day out is the attraction no the actual match.

So ultimately what are your overall feelings on the possibility of safe standing sections being introduced?

P2 – “I’m all for it. I think Scottish football needs a complete overhaul and I think this would be something new to try and get punters back in through the gate. Going to the football as a young boy I always have fond memories of

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standing and I think it’s a shame that so many youngsters are missing out on that. I’d probably only be standing for a few years anyway before sitting would look more appealing again cause the age I’m at.

P1 – “You look good for seventy though”.

P2 – (Laughter) “Aye very good…wee d***”.

P1 – “Naw I definitely think it be an improvement for Scottish football. Look what it’s done to German fitba. Completely revamped their game and their stadiums over there are sold out every game, am no saying it’ll have the same impact here but we could set the trend for it. Might bring a bit of atmosphere back to the football which is much needed.

P5 – “Well as I’ve said it’s not my cup of tea and I wouldn’t be interested in a standing section but I can see how some folk would. As long as everyone was happy then I don’t really see a problem with it”.

P4 – “I’d be interested to see how popular it was and if it actually brought people back in through the gates. I’m not sure this alone would help attendances and I’m not sure that everyone would be for it. As long as it wouldn’t affect me and my Saturday then I wouldn’t be bothered, however if I had to move seat or couldn’t see cause the section was near me then I wouldn’t be happy.

Well hopefully the data which I’ve gathered will prove whether fans want it or not. As for the uncertainty with people actually wanting it, the Record have already ran a story with a top cop and he was definitely against them so the introduction of safe standing zones are by no way a certainty.

Right guys unless there’s anything else you want to add then we’ll wrap it up here? Once again thanks for turning up and contributing to my research, its much appreciated.

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Appendix 7

Ethics Form

University Ethics Committee

APPLICATION FORM FOR ETHICAL APPROVAL (UEC1) N.B. The UEC Guidelines for Ethical Research with Human Subjects must be read prior to the completion of this form. Notes for each section of the application are provided under Section 2 (pp 11-12) of the Guidelines.

1 Name of principal investigator Richard Foy

School/Address University of the West of Scotland Hamilton Campus Almada Street ML3 0GB School of Science

Position Undergraduate Student

2 Name of supervisor/director of studies (for undergraduate/ postgraduate applications only)

Scott Barclay

School/Address University of the West of Scotland Hamilton Campus Almada Street ML3 0GB School of Science

Position Lecturer

3 Title of Study

‘Back to the Future’ A study of proposed standing sections at Motherwell FC.

4 What is the primary purpose of this study?

Original research

Audit

Undergraduate dissertation

Postgraduate dissertation

Other (please detail)

5 Has the proposed study been submitted to any others ethics committee? No

Has approval been given? No

6 What is the justification for the research? What is the background? Why is this an area

of importance? The topic of safe standing sections is important as it is a major discussion point in today’s football world. There have been increasing calls for standing sections to be reintroduced into British football, from organisations such as the Football Supporters Federation (FSF). It is felt that increased ticket prices within all seated stadiums have priced many football fans out of the game and are contributing to falling attendances. Conn (2005) states that research carried out by Leicester University showed that many clubs’ fans with lower disposable incomes have been priced out as spectators of their clubs due to inflated prices.

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New Directors, Customers, and Fans: The Transformation of English Football in the 1990’s As football changes, so do football fans’ attitudes and opinions. Over the last twenty five years, football has changed dramatically. Bale (2000) shows how the Taylor Report, introduced in 1989, transformed British football and the way spectators viewed the game, with the implications of such changes still clearly relevant to British football in the twenty-first century. As well as policy changes that have affected football, the game has been injected with millions of pounds of monetary investment which has turned the game from being sport, into a business. Frosdick & Marsh (2005) show that from its beginning until the 1970’s, football was a working man’s sport with each team being a source of pride for their respective towns. “A football club was in many ways as much a part of the burgeoning corporation as a public library, town halls law courts and was certainly used by more people”, (Inglis, 1991). Now however as football turns corporate, fans from all over the world visit cities to watch teams play. This journal shows how football has changed during the 1990’s and shows how fans have changed with it. As football becomes more corporate, so do fans. “The renovation of the grounds in the eyes of the press meant there would be a change in the relationship between clubs and fans” (King, 1997). Fans were to be treated as customers, and as customers they would have to be impressed by the quality of product to return. These new corporates running the football clubs saw that there was a large untapped market in women and children and have made football a spectacle rather than a sporting competition to suit them. Taylor (1989) shows how all seater stadiums have undoubtedly added comfort to watching football and therefore encouraged these people to attend matches. More women and children can now be seen attending football matches than ever before due to the increased level of safety and comfort available at games with the recent example being set in Turkey. Martinson (2011) shows how a recent match in Turkey took place with only women and children inside the stadium. After violence flared at a recent match, fans of Fenerbache were punished by the club only allowing women and children present at the match to try and make the atmosphere more comfortable and safe for everyone. Robinson (2010) states that football is not only now associated with men from working-class backgrounds, but from people from all walks of life. Conn (2005) states there are still a large core of supports who refer to ‘the good old days’ where they used to stand and drink together with friends at the football. The calls for safe standing areas to be introduced into Scottish football however are growing. More and more fans are realising that with increased comfortableness comes increased prices. If safe standing areas were introduced into Scottish football stadiums, would these women and children continue to attend or would they feel football was returning to the days of terracing and cloth caps. The research proposal will provide a basis for this question to be answered. The Taylor Report The Taylor Report (1989) is such an important piece of policy, and you can still see the effects it has throughout UK football today. The most important recommendation made in Taylor’s Report that is still evident today was that football stadiums in the top divisions in England should be all seated; something which Scotland decided to use as advice and copy. This has arguably reduced the level of football hooliganism and increased the overall level of safety within football in the UK. Taylor states that ‘when a spectator is seated he has his own small piece of territory in which he can feel secure’. Taylor (1989) also shows that with seated fans there is less likely to be crushing or swaying movements in the ground which results in accidents less likely to happen. Modern technology also ensures increased safety. By knowing the capacity limits of stadiums, clubs and police can ensure that grounds are not over crowded. Smaller and younger football fans can now go to games and enjoy the visual aspect of football without their viewing being disrupted by larger supporters; this is something which has had an impact on the age range and gender of fans. Frosdick & Marsh (2005) show that the reduction in crowd trouble and, more importantly football hooliganism, is also linked to the new all-seater stadiums. The Taylor Report (1989) was seen to have a more sensitive understanding of hooliganism

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and as to why people were involved in hooliganism. Frosdick & Marsh (2005) also show how all-seater stadia and improved stadium facilities allowed more families to go to football matches and feel safer than they could before. (Reilly, 1996) shows that since Hillsborough there has been a downward spiral with football hooliganism, with even those who were unsure whether the hooligans were trouble or not, now changing their attitude and deeming hooliganism as unacceptable behaviour. Although the Taylor Report (1989) highlighted changes which needed to be made to provide football stadiums with a significant level of health & safety, many clubs found it difficult to comply with these recommendations due to the hefty cost involved. Many pieces of literature such as Conn (2005) ‘The Beautiful Game?: Searching For The Lost Soul Of Football’ highlight that all seater stadia have impacted on football fan models of attendance and that many people have been priced out of attending regular football matches. When Taylor (1989) gave his recommendations he used examples such as Ibrox to show that with seated stadia, the ticket price does not need to increase. Conn (2005) shows that very few clubs took this advice on board and increased their prices by sevenfold or more. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect that safe standing sections and cheaper ticket prices would have on football fans willingness to stand at Motherwell FC.

7 Give a full summary of the purpose, design and methodology of the planned research,

including a brief explanation of the theoretical framework that informs it. To assist with the methods and research design (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009) research ‘onion’ will be used. For this specific investigation the chosen research approach is the inductive approach. “This is where the researcher collects data and develops theory as a result of the data analysis”, (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). This would occur as the researcher analyses the data gathered from the sample population to examine whether or not fans opinions and attitudes would change if safe standing sections were introduced into Scottish football. For this investigation the research strategy being employed is that of a case study. (Robson, 2002) defines case study as a strategy for carrying out research which “involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence”. Case Study has also described by (Yin, 1994) as an “empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real life context”. By doing a case study on football fans in their natural environment it allows the researcher to observe exactly how they would act. The recruitment of the sample population will be carried out via a Motherwell FC fans’ forum. Participants will be identified and recruited through this. The questionnaire (appendix 2) will be piloted to 10 fans first, before running it out to the rest of the sample population. The sample population will be one hundred Motherwell FC fans aged between eighteen and sixty chosen by using quota sampling. The reason for one hundred fans being chosen is to ensure the results are reliable by taking a large sample population. “Quota sampling is a type of stratified sampling in which selection cases within strata is entirely non – random” (Barnett, 1991). This allows the population to be divided into two or more relevant and significant strata based on one or a number of attributes (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). To select a quota sample the population must firstly be divided into specific groups. These specific attributes will be female without child, male without child, female with child and male with child. The child will not be present at the time of the questionnaire as to not involve the study under the age of 18. By including all four categories it will add to the validity of the research as the data gathered covers all fan types and their situations.

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A mixed method approach will be taken as the method choice. Mainly qualitative data will be gathered in the form of a face to face open ended discussion in the form of a focus group to gain the participants true feelings on safe standing areas. Qualitative data is a data analysis procedure that generates or uses non – numerical data (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). Quantitative data will be gathered in the form of closed ended questionnaires (appendix 2); which will be handed out to each of the one hundred participants. This provides quantitative data which when gathered and analysed can be used to investigate the attitudes and opinions of the sample population to be compared. As stated above; data will be collected in the form of both questionnaire (appendix 2)s, and by participants participating in a focus group. Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill (2009), show how unstructured interviews are informal and are used to explore a general are in depth. This will be the same for the focus group. Participants who wish to be considered for the focus group will state this on their questionnaire and the final focus group will be selected from this group. The interviewer may not have a structured list of questions that will be asked; however they will have a clear idea on the subject which they want to explore. The interviewee is given the chance to talk freely and dictates the structure of the interview. This is best suited for this research proposal as it will be used in order to gain the respondent’s true feelings and opinions. The focus group will be taped using a Dictaphone and transcribed at a later date. These will be kept in a locked drawer and only myself and the study supervisor will have access to it. These will also be deleted after the study is completed. Time horizons can alter depending on what the research question is. For this investigation, the time horizon used will be the cross sectional study. This study will be carried out over the course of four weeks. The questionnaires (appendix 2) will be handed out before a Motherwell FC match and analysed at a later date. The questionnaires will be handed out by myself over the course of four weeks, resulting in 25 questionnaires being completed each week. “Many case studies are based on interviews conducted over a short period of time” (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). The focus group will take place on another day and will last approximately one hour. The credibility of research findings depend on two main things; reliability and validity. Reliability refers to how well the data collection technique or analysis procedure used will yield constant findings. Reliability can be threatened by a number of factors. Robson (2002) highlights four threats to reliability: subject or participant error, subject or participant bias, observer error and observer bias. The researcher must make sure none of these affect the results obtained. It is important that none of the participants feel pressured into giving a certain answer or feel that they cannot express their true opinions; especially during the focus group. The sample questionnaire (appendix 2) questions will be attached to this application.

8 How has the scientific quality of the research been assessed?

Independent external review

Review within a company

Review within a multi-centre research group

Review within the Chief Investigator’s institution or host organisation

Review within the research team

Review by educational supervisor

Other (please detail)

9 Is the power of the study sufficient to answer the question that is being asked? Please

indicate the power calculations used for the required sample size, including any

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assumptions you may have made. If you consider that power calculations are not appropriate, please explain why. Power calculations are not appropriate for this study as only descriptive statistics will be required for the quantitative data. Qualitative information will also be gathered.

10 What statistical tests will you apply?

The study is mainly qualitative in nature however descriptive statistics will be used to evaluate the data gathered from the questionnaire (appendix 2).

11 Does the research involve any physically invasive procedures? Are there any known

hazards associated with these procedures? No

12 Will individual or group interviews/questionnaire (appendix 2)s discuss any topics or

issues that might be sensitive, embarrassing or upsetting, or is it possible that criminal or other disclosures requiring action could take place during the study (eg during interviews/group discussions or use of screening for drugs) The individual questionnaire (appendix 2)s that will be handed out will not discuss any inappropriate topics. Within the focus group, as the participants discuss their own opinions on the subject, they will have the right to withdraw from the study if they feel embarrassed or upset in anyway. This will be explained at the outset of the focus group.

13 (a) Does the research involve any deception regarding aims and objectives?

No

(b) Will the research participants be debriefed? When? How? By whom?

The research participants will be given an information sheet (appendix 1) by myself which will explain the research and the purpose behind it. These will be given out an hour before the study takes place; giving the participants ample time to withdraw if need be. This ensures the participants know exactly what is required of them.

14 What is the expected duration of participation in the study for each participant?

The questionnaire (appendix 2) is likely to take around ten minutes to complete and will contain a question at the bottom which gives the participants the option of taking part in the focus groups. The focus group will take around an hour to complete, but time may vary as the questions asked will be open ended questions which should provoke discussion.

15 How will potential participants in the study be (i) identified, (ii) approached and (iii)

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recruited? The proposed participants for this research proposal are males and females aged between eighteen and sixty. One hundred participants will be selected to complete a questionnaire (appendix 2) before a Motherwell FC home game. The sample will be selected using quota sampling. “Quota sampling is a type of stratified sampling in which selection cases within strata is entirely non – random” (Barnett, 1991). This allows the population to be divided into two or more relevant and significant strata based on one or a number of attributes (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009). To select a quota sample the population must firstly be divided into specific groups. These specific attributes will be female without child, male without child, female with child and male with child. Only the adults (over 18’s) will fill in the questionnaire and will do so without the presence of the child. By having four different categories it validates the research as it gives an overall better view of the fans’ opinions. The next step is to calculate a quota for each group based on the relevant and available data. Twenty five will be selected from each category to give a fair reflection on the overall consensus of safe standing areas and cheaper ticket prices. The final step is to combine the data gathered to provide the full sample. By using stratified random sampling, (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009) show that it allows the researcher to ensure that each of the strata is represented proportionally within the sample however it may be difficult to distinguish significant strata in your sampling frame. In this case however it will be easy to identify the specific attributes needed for each category.

16 What measures have been put in place to ensure confidentiality of personal data? Give

details of whether any encryption or other anonymisation procedures will be used and at what stage. Each participant will be given a codename, for example participant 1. No names of participants will be revealed during the research or within the dissertation to provide complete participant confidentiality.

17 Who will have access to the data and what steps will be taken to ensure data remains

confidential? Only the student and supervising staff will have access to the raw data collected. All electronic and hard copy research data will be stored at UWS. These will be delted at the end of the study.

18 What is the potential for benefit to research participants?

Participants may see the final results of the research once they have been processed and the investigation is complete. Apart from this, there is no potential benefit to the research participants.

19 Will informed consent be obtained from the research participants?

Yes

No

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If yes, give details of who will obtain consent and how it will be done. Give details of any particular steps to provide information (in addition to a written information sheet) eg videos, interactive materials. Please note that a copy of the subject information sheet must be included with this application. If consent is not to be obtained, please explain why not. Consent will be obtained, as along with the questionnaire (appendix 2) an information sheet (appendix 1) will be given out to each participant to read. This will inform the participants about the study and explain their role in the process. At the bottom of the questionnaire (appendix 2) the participants will give a signature as consent and will also indicate whether they wish to be part of the focus group or not.

20 Will a signed record of consent be obtained?

A signed record of consent will be obtained from every research participant on the questionnaire (appendix 2) which they will fill out. They will also give consent for participating in the focus group on the questionnaire (appendix 2). All participants will be over 18 years of age.

21 How long will the participant have to decide whether or not to take part in the

research? The research participants will have to decide on the day whether or not to take part in the research as the questionnaire (appendix 2) will be filled in on a voluntarily basis. The questionnaire (appendix 2) will also give the option of taking part in the focus group or not.

22 Will subjects be informed that they can withdraw at any time from the study?

The information sheet (appendix 1) and questionnaire (appendix 2) will both ask participants if they wish to be involved within the focus group and will give the participants the option of completing the questionnaire (appendix 2). They will be well aware that they can withdraw at any stage of the research.

23 Will the participants be from any of the following groups?

Children under 16

Adults with learning disabilities

Adults who are unconscious or severely ill

Adults with a terminal illness

Adults in emergency situations

Adults with mental illness (particularly if detained under Mental Health Legislation)

Adults with dementia

Adults in Scotland who are unable to consent for themselves

Those who could be considered to have a particularly dependent relationship with the investigator, eg those in care homes,

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medical students

Other (please detail)

There will be no participants from any of the following groups.

24 Are there any special pressures that might make it difficult for people to refuse to take

part in the study (eg the potential participants are students of the investigator)? No. The participants will be briefed about the study within the information sheet (appendix 1) and will know that the study is entirely voluntary. This ensures that they do not feel pressurised or coerced into taking part in the study.

25 Will the study result in financial payment or payment in-kind to the applicants/to the

department? Please specify amounts etc involved. No.

26 Where will this research take place?

The questionnaire (appendix 2) will be handed out outside Fir Park on the days of a Motherwell FC home match. This will take place over four weeks with 25 participants filling out questionnaires each week. All possible care will be taken and the researcher (myself) will not be wearing any colours that may put myself in danger or effect the validity of the research. Permission has been obtained from Motherwell FC for the research to be carried out. The focus group will take place in the Davie Cooper Suite in Fir Park Stadium on another day.

27 How are the costs of this study to be met?

No costs are attached to this study.

28 Please describe any other ethical considerations which need to be taken into account

by the Ethics Committee? No.

Please indicate which documents are enclosed with this application:

Subject/patient/participant information sheet/leaflet

Consent form

Copy of protocol

Letters to participant

Letter to parents/guardians/gatekeepers etc

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Letter of ethical committee approval or other approvals

Other relevant materials (please indicate)

A questionnaire (appendix 2) will also be submitted with this ethics form.

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Appendix 8

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Appendix 9