Boro fear terraces would attract yobs

Middlesbrough are strongly opposed to the return of fans standing on terraces even in restricted areas.  

Club safety officer Ron Turnbull fears the yob element could return if the controversial idea of Sports Minister Kate Hoey was accepted.

Turnbull said: "I can envisage no circumstances in which we would contemplate the introduction of standing areas at our ground. "

He added: "There is a popular clamour among some supporters' organisations to bring back standing sections, apparently to improve atmosphere.

"But it would risk a return to the yob element we worked so hard to eliminate. They achieved a degree of anonymity in the days of the terraces. Nobody wants a return to the bad old days."

Middlesbrough have established a good reputation for fans' behaviour at their 35,000 all-seater Riverside Stadium.