Safe standing at football matches could be piloted in Wales if Welsh politicians and fans get their way, an assembly member said yesterday.

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies launched a report in Swansea backing the introduction of designated standing areas and has called on the British government to follow the Welsh Assembly’s cross-party support for the proposals.

The report comes on the back of a survey of 2,364 fans which showed that 96 per cent back a safe standing pilot to trial modern stadium technology, while 84 per cent believe that safe standing areas would decrease the likelihood of conflict between stewards and fans.

The introduction of safe standing has the backing of the Football Supporters Federation and the supporters trusts of the four main clubs in Wales — Swansea, Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham.

“I see safe standing as a way forward for football,” Davies said. “I do not see how we continue with the current legislation because the safety concerns have been addressed and ultimately football is not just about watching it on TV.

“It’s about getting a great match-day experience and I believe with modern stadia like the Liberty Stadium I believe we can achieve that.

“This report is based on fans’ views and there is a body of evidence which shows that the match-day experience can be greatly enhanced with safe standing,” he said.

Tim Hartley, chairman of the Cardiff City Supporters Trust, said the Championship club allowed supporters to stand in one area of the Cardiff City Stadium.

“We are lucky at Cardiff where we have a liberal interpretation of the regulations and fans are allowed to stand in the Canton Stand,” Hartley said.

While Swansea director Huw Cooze said: “We’d like to see standing trialled whether that’s lower down the league and filters up to us.”