Celtic have been granted permission to introduce “safe standing” for football fans at the club’s stadium.
The area will initially accommodate up to 2,600 supporters and could be in place for the start of the 2016-17 season.
The Glasgow club had been in talks with authorities for more than five years and have now been given the green light for change at their 60,000-capacity ground through the installation of rail seating which can be found in stadiums in Austria and Germany.
Chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club’s official website: ”Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that this permission has finally been granted.
”The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety.
”Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches.
“This is something we must accept and manage, and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches.
”Celtic’s primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters – this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches.“
He added: “I would like to thank Glasgow City Council for their support in delivering this measure and for the backing they have given to Celtic’s focus on safety at matches.”
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of the council, said: “Fans are the lifeblood of football and should be celebrated and supported whenever possible.
“My administration has for some time been in favour in principle of safe-standing and I am pleased that Glasgow is once again setting a precedent for the country with this bold decision.
“It is right that we have all taken our time to work through the details. Safety remains our top consideration and we will continue to work with the club to assure this.”
A council spokesman added: “Previously it was felt that a stewarding plan alone would not ensure spectator safety in the standing area.
“But the introduction of appropriate barriers, widened gangways, along with the kind of rail seating often found in European grounds and other measures, will address those concerns.
“The new standing area will be subject to ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure spectator safety is being maintained.
“Renewal of the safety certificate for the stadium will continue to be required on an annual basis.”
Independent safety and security expert Dr Steve Frosdick, who has been closely involved in Celtic’s work in this area, called it a “pioneering move” by the football club which he said had “spectator safety at its core”.
”For the first time in the UK, football fans will be able to stand to watch the game from purpose-built accommodation which is demonstrably safe,“ he said.