my view is that hilsborough would have occurred whether it was standing or sitting. it was caused by : 1)an inability to control a normal football crowd, 2) failing to ensure that areas of a stand didnt become overcrowded, 3) once it was overcrowded failing to react 4) then supporters being unable to leave the stand once it was overcrowded. there where other issues that contributed towards the tragedy, (such as failing to allow medical attention on to the pitch) but the list above were the causes. if you remove any one of the list above, then it would not have occurred. its my opinion that it could have occurred whether or not it was standing or seated. However one of the main failings on the day was an inablity to recognise the area had become to packed. If it were a seated area this would be easier to recognise and contingency plans could have been introduced. but this is the only area were a seated stadia could have influenced what had occurred. And yes, for this reason Hillsborough "may" not have occurred if it were seated, even with all the other failings that contributed towards the cause. As for whether Anfield should have a standing area, then I'm torn. Some of the happiest days of my life have been on the old Spion Kop. But, i respect the wishes of the families. If they as a group, are against it, then I would not back the idea purely out of respect to them. If they discussed and agreed with my opinion regarding the causes, and said they had no objections to Anfield having a standing area then i would be in favour.