EPA Images/Brian Stewart
Celtic are planning to introduce a safe standing area at Celtic Park from the start of the 2016/17 season.The Scottish champions have confirmed the move in their season ticket renewal information, with the plan being to install rail seats for up to 2,600 fans. These will be located in the corner of the Lisbon Lions Stand, where the Green Brigade fans' group are currently situated.Glasgow City Council gave permission for the development in June last year, with the club basing their safe standing model on that commonly used in Bundesliga grounds. The council had twice rejected previous applications for a safe standing area, but have been persuaded to sign off the latest project.When the development was approved, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand 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."The safe standing model used in Germany has been widely praised for improving matchday atmosphere. Celtic have taken a pioneering stance on safe standing in Britain, and many will be hoping that a successful trial will widen its appeal.The club have also frozen standard season ticket prices for next season, addressing concerns raised by supporters about rising costs.