THE debate around the introduction of safe standing should be broadened out to include the English Football League, according to Oxford United’s managing director Greig Box Turnbull.

Premier League clubs met last week to discuss the concept, which is used in Europe.

A block of 3,000 ‘rail seats’ were also installed at Celtic Park for this season, but at the moment top-flight clubs must have all-seater stadia.

The law was changed following Justice Taylor’s report into the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, when 96 Liverpool fans died as a result of a crush.

But an inquest earlier this year ruled the supporters were unlawfully killed, highlighting failures in policing.

It has led to calls for safe standing to be introduced, but Box Turnbull says it has yet to be discussed at EFL meetings.

He said: “It’s something I’ve had an interest in as a fan who has stood on terraces and in seating areas.

“My experience is seeing people gash their shins when Oxford have scored. I don’t believe we have the ideal solution.

“From my point of view it’s interesting to see the topic is back on the agenda nationally.

“I think it’s important the EFL clubs are consulted as well.

“We need to be mindful of Hillsborough, but I do believe there’s merit in having that discussion.

“As a club we are open-minded and and we would consider it, but at the moment it’s a debate only at Premier League level.

“For the government to take it seriously I think it would be better if we were all discussing it.”

United’s interest in the discussion is for the moment academic, as they are tenants at the Kassam Stadium.

Plans to install a temporary fourth stand, which is seated, have hit a brick wall in recent months.

But Box Turnbull can foresee a scenario where the club are in a position to build a permanent structure.

He said: “Given the situation at Oxford United are in we have a clear need for a fourth stand at some point. It will be a genuine issue.

“I would like to think that one day in the future we are at a point where we can proceed with that.

“If we do find ourselves in that position I think it would be only right to consider all the options.”

Supporters’ group OxVox are in discussions with owner Firoz Kassam about setting up a new community trust to buy the stadium.

Jeremy Faulkner, OxVox’s chairman, was in agreement with Box Turnbull over broadening the debate about safe standing.

He said: “OxVox, like the majority of supporters trusts up and down the country, are in favour of exploring the potential for safe standing and various discussion forums are already in place.”