Celtic have been granted permission to install “safe standing” and become the first professional club in the United Kingdom to move away from traditional seated areas within football stadiums.

The newly constructed area, which will accommodate 2,600 supporters at first, could potentially be in place for the start of the 2016/17 Premiership season.

The Scottish champions had been campaigning for the past five years to allow fans to stand in a system more commonly used on the continent and removing the more troublesome rows of seats.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said on the club website: “Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that this permission has finally been granted.

Photo: Brian Hargadon

“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: “Rail seating has been in place in European football for some time and there has been considerable demand for some form of “safe standing” within the UK and particularly from our supporters. We are sure the rail seating section will prove very popular with supporters and we look forward to its introduction.”

“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.”