Everton: Little-Known Premier League Stadium Rule Only Goodison Park Can Break
An away trip to Everton is always a challenge, and the atmosphere at Goodison Park can be as electric as any ground in Europe. That intense energy is partly due to a lesser-known rule that Everton has been granted special permission to bypass. The Toffees are the only team in the English top-flight exempt from this ruling, which has been in effect since the 2017/18 season.
## Why Goodison Park is Exempt From Premier League Rule 10.3
The rule in question, Premier League rule 10.3, requires away fans to be seated at pitchside for all top-flight matches. However, Everton’s Goodison Park stadium has a unique setup. Away fans are located in the upper tier of the Gwladys Street Stand, which is unlike any other Premier League ground.
## Safety Concerns Behind the Exemption
The exemption was granted primarily due to safety concerns. According to Everton’s statement, analysis showed that relocating away fans to pitchside would significantly increase the risk of confrontation and conflict between home and away supporters, particularly when entering and exiting the stadium.
Everton’s statement at the time explained: “Premier League rule 10.3 requires clubs to locate away supporters together, with a minimum of one seating block to be situated pitch-side, subject to local authority approval.” After extensive consultation with local authorities, emergency services, and independent consultants, it was concluded that the current arrangement was the most suitable to ensure away supporter safety.
## Current Arrangement Remains in Place
Years later, this rule remains in effect, with Everton still the only exempt team. When away fans celebrate a goal, they’re often high up in the stands, far from the action on the pitch but just as enthusiastic.
It’s worth noting that Everton is set to move to a new stadium, Everton Stadium, starting from the 2025-26 season, while Goodison Park will become the home of Everton’s women’s team.¹
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