Everton new stadium: ‘Shocking’ image circulates, Mayor asked to respond
Everton opened their Bramley-Moore Dock stadium to supporters for the first time on Monday night, but already some concerns have been raised.
Everton will be looking forward to a fresh start at Bramley-Moore Dock when it becomes the home of the Toffees from next season onwards.
However, issues have already started to emerge for Everton ahead of the summer move, with further concerns highlighted with regards to public transport to and from the ground after the test event in regard to the safety and comfort of those attending.
These issues will need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, but that was the sole purpose of the pilot event – it’s now up to those with power to make the necessary changes after what was said.
Tony Scott slams Everton safety measures at Bramley-Moore
As is perhaps to be expected at this stage in the plans, several concerns emerged after the opening of Bramley-Moore, as highlighted by Liverpool Echo journalist Tony Scott.
Taking to X after Everton Under-18s took on their Wigan Athletic counterparts on 17 February, Scott posted an image of a crowded train platform and added: “It’s not safe.
“A shocking decision to have trains running every 30 minutes and only a four carriage too! That was with 10k today so god knows how they’ll cope with 50k plus! Awful.”
Scott went on to ask Mayor Steve Rotheram for a response on the measures in place, to which there has been no reply as it stands.
Safety will be paramount ahead of Everton move
While the architectural design and layout of the stadium can be praised, the safety of supporters has to be the number one priority.
As pointed out by Scott, if the concerns are already present with 10,000 fans in attendance, things will only be amplified when the stadium opens full next season with almost five-times the number of fans expected.
Bramley-Moore will have a capacity of around 52,888, and if those safety concerns aren’t addressed, it could cause a real problem for Everton supporters.
With several months remaining until the new campaign gets underway, there is plenty of time for those issues to be ironed out and allow for a safe yet enjoyable experience for all supporters.
A move to Bramley-Moore Dock presents the opportunity for a new lease of life for Everton, and a chance to get back to challenging at the right end of the Premier League table, but again, unless supporter safety is addressed, little else matters.