Government to launch review into safe standing after sports minister Tracey Crouch condemns threats of physical and sexual violence she has faced

Crouch added: 'I cannot allow for any pilots - there is no wriggle room - it is either status quo or change the legislation. We will commission an external analysis of evidence relating to the all seater policy.' 

Crouch also revealed that she would expect a report before the end of the year. 

'Change cannot and should not happen overnight,' she said. 'My mind is open on the future of the all-seater policy.' Earlier, more than 30 MPs had spoken on the issue, with the vast majority in favour of allowing club's the option of being able to introduce safe standing.

Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, branded the government's position an 'injustice'.

'Why do the government think standing becomes safer as the standard of football gets worse?' he told the debate. 'It's utterly nonsensical, outdated and unjust.' 

However, Maria Eagle, Labour MP for Merseyside's Garston and Halewood, called for a delay in any decision until those affected by the Hillsborough Disaster could be consulted when legal proceedings into the matter had concluded.