FOR some, it would be a step back. For others, it would be two forward. The past can never be forgotten, but the future can’t be ignored.

The introduction of safe standing areas in British stadia is always going to be an emotive and perhaps controversial subject. But the time has surely come for more supporters and more clubs to have those conversations.

When Celtic were given the green light to incorporate a rail seating section into the Parkhead stands a couple of years ago, it marked a change in stance from the authorities and the pilot scheme has so far been a success.

Celtic have, of course, had their issues with those that have inhabited the 2,600 capacity area in recent times but the mindlessness of the Green Brigade shouldn’t cloud judgements on the bigger picture.

Those supporters may not be able to behave and conduct themselves in a proper manner at times, but that doesn’t mean that other fans should be denied the opportunity that the fortunate few were given by the Hoops board.

Not every punter that goes to Parkhead will want to stand and sing for 90 minutes, nor will they want to wave flags or be involved in tifo displays. That is why vast swathes of the stadium remain, and will remain, all-seater.

But those that want a different experience from their match day have had a choice and a chance and there is no doubt that the GB section has improved the atmosphere and raised the decibel levels.

Now, more clubs should look to follow Celtic’s lead and introduce safe standing sections.

Across the city, the Union Bears have become the voice of Ibrox in recent years and have added noise and colour to the atmosphere, often while the Light Blue legions have had little to cheer about.

Their seats in the Broomloan Front are rarely used, though, as the fans stand throughout the match. That is their prerogative and there are surely more who would like to follow suit.

Rather than a couple of hundred in the corner of the stadium, imagine the impact a couple of thousand could have if a standing section was installed, for example, in the Copland.

The likes of Partick Thistle, Motherwell and Hibernian all have dedicated areas where fans that want to create an atmosphere congregate and they could be better accommodated if the seats were removed.

The Bundesliga has shown that safe standing sections can be operated successfully and the sights and sounds of a top flight match will stir the senses of any supporter on these shores.

Now, the idea is back on the agenda in England. The Spirit of Shankly released the results of a survey into the introduction of rail seating last week, with 88 per cent of the near 18,000 participants saying that they would be in favour. The same percentage of SoS members also gave the idea their backing.

Contributions were made by representatives from the Sports Ground Safety Authority and Celtic, while the Hillsborough Family Support Group, Hillsborough Justice Campaign and survivors of the disaster shared their views and personal experiences.

The outcome of the consultation was not a call for rail seating to be installed at Anfield, but it was an important discussion in what needs to be a serious and wide-ranging conversation.

There are a generation of football fans that have never had the chance to experience the action from the terraces, but some supporters of a certain age will perhaps argue that the game should never go back.

The trip to Hillsborough to see Rangers face Sheffield Wednesday last weekend was a thought provoking experience.

The noise around the ground contrasted starkly to the silence behind the goal to your left, the white seats at the front always visible as your eyes were drawn to the dark tunnel at the back. Outside, the CCTV images that are ingrained in your mind would overlap the sight of the entrance to the Leppings Lane end of the stadium.

It was a sombre and emotional reminder of the past and the 96 and the lessons from the disaster will never be forgotten. Time, and football, has moved on since the Taylor Report, though.

As the Spirit of Shankly said, all views must be heard, all questions answered and all concerns addressed when it comes to the possible introduction of safe standing areas in British stadia. If the supporters have their say, it is time for clubs to listen.