But no Premier league club has (so far)m shown any interest in returning to standing.
Currently, the Football Spectators Act 1989 requires safety authorities to ensure fans attending games in England's top two divisions are seated.
All-seater stadiums were introduced in the UK following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, but in many European countries football fans are allowed to stand at top-level games, with Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion in Germany a prime example of the effective use of rail seating.
Having been at the forefront of attempts to introduce a facility that has become increasingly popular in continental Europe, the Scottish champions have announced plans to put rail seats in place for the 2016-17 season.
An initial 2,600 supporters will be accommodated within these areas at Celtic Park after extensive dialogue with relevant authorities for the past five years, and lengthy consultation with supporters.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “We have worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that permission has finally been granted.
“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”.
“The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Celtic’s primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters – and this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches.”