Celtic have today announced that they are to introduce safe standing in Celtic Park from the start of the 2016/17 season.

The club plan to introduce rail seating which is common throughout stadia in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to the club's official website, Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: "the introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches. This is something we must accept and manage and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches”.

“Rail seating has been in place in European football for some time and there has been considerable demand for some form of “safe standing” within the UK and particularly from our supporters. We are sure the rail seating section will prove very popular with supporters and we look forward to its introduction.”

Dr. Steve Frosdick, who is an Independent Satefy and Security Expert helped the club submit their application to Glasgow City Council, He told the club's website; "for the first time in the UK, football fans will be able to stand to watch the game from purpose-built accommodation which is demonstrably safe. The club and its fans are to be congratulated for the way they have worked together to make the case to the authorities.”

“Although standing up throughout the match has become increasingly common, persistent standing between rows of seats has been a concern for football clubs and the authorities. Clearly the club was keen to find a better way of safely accommodating those fans who wanted to stand”.

“There was of course no question of going back to the standing terraces of old. However the new style rail seating found in Germany and Austria provides the solution the Club was seeking."

“This is a system which has operated successfully in Europe for a number of years and I am convinced it is one which will prove to be highly successful and popular at Celtic Park.”