Norwich City fans today appeared to flout a threat made this week that they may face losing their seats if they do not sit down during matches.
Season ticket holders in Block A of the Lower Barclay received letters from the club, following concerns raised by the Club Safety Advisory Group (SAG) - the body of representatives from the county council and emergency services who have the power to revoke the club’s safety certificate.
In a recent meeting the club was informed “the level of persistent standing at the ground is unacceptable” and there is a “direct threat of a capacity reduction” unless there was a marked improvement in today’s home Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday.
MORE: Norwich City end Championship drought with second half comeback to sink Sheffield WednesdayThat prompted a sharp response from fan groups and individual supporters over the timing of the letter, and many fans took to social media to say they would continue to stand.
While some seemed to take heed of the warning during the first half - when Norwich failed to score any goals - most took to their feet during the second half when City scored three times. This newspaper’s reporter Michael Bailey tweeted: “‘We are staying up’ sings the Barclay. Whilst standing. #ncfc”
Of more concern to some was the attendance, as they pointed to the number of empty seats.
MORE: ‘Absolutely ridiculous’ - Norwich City fans react to standing threat at Carrow RoadJack Goldworthy tweeted: “I sit in the Barclay lower tier block A. 5/15 fans in my row, 5/15 in row in front, 8/15 in the one in front of that. Anything to do with the ‘letter’? Not one steward has asked us to sit down in 25 minutes.”
Another Twitter user, @snackandsnooze said: “Carrow road is looking like a ghost town tonight... seems like the safety advisors are getting their way. Didn’t realise it was a library too? #NoAtmosphere”
Official statistics showed attendance was 25,561, but it is thought this includes season tickets regardless of whether the holder turns up or not.
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