Disabled football fans are deterred from attending away games in England and Wales by poor prospects and discriminatory treatment, according to a campaign group.
A survey conducted by Level Playing Field found that 43 percent of respondents had experienced some form of abuse or negative attitude at an away game in the past five years, while nearly 50 percent cited blocked sightlines as obstacles to travel.
Chairman Tony Taylor said: “It is a sad situation that access to live sport, which most fans take for granted, is clearly not afforded to disabled fans in the same way at away games.
“The ability to watch a football game without blocked lines of sight and fear of abuse or judgment is a fundamental expectation that is not being met.
“There is clearly a need for more education in football. Level Playing Field will continue to take the lead in raising fan awareness and sharing best practices with clubs and governing bodies.
“We will reach out to these organizations and other fan-led groups to work with us to improve the issues highlighted in this survey that continue to impact the fan experience for fans with disabilities.”
Of the fans surveyed, 28 percent said the lack of guest area accommodation impacted the game day experience, while another 23 percent cited a lack of disability awareness from other fans as a negative factor.
More than half of those surveyed who do not currently travel to games said they have done so in the past, with Level Playing Field suggesting that some disabled fans are choosing not to attend away games due to the issues raised.
“Being able to watch a football game without blocked lines of sight and fear of abuse or judgment is a fundamental expectation that is not being met.”
– Tony Taylor, Chairman of Level Playing Field
Taylor said: “Significant steps have been taken by many clubs in recent years to improve the matchday experience for disabled fans more generally.
“However, this survey shows that there is still work to be done and that the away fan experience in particular should be a focus for clubs to improve.
“The ‘away day’ experience for disabled fans requires significant attention if football is serious about ‘access for all’.”
Premier League clubs have invested more than £125m improving accessibility for fans since they committed to working towards the Accessible Stadia Guide in 2015, and the league conducts regular monitoring and assessment.
In 2020 she commissioned Level Playing Field to review the guide and has also established an independent advisory group for people with disabilities.
A Premier League spokesman said: “All Premier League clubs have committed to complying with accessible stadium guidelines and have made significant efforts to improve access for disabled people at home and away.
“This is a priority for the league and significant investment has been made in improving stadiums to ensure they are accessible and welcoming environments for all.
“Examples of improvements include ensuring accessible viewing areas in outdoor plazas, installing new accessible viewing areas for wheelchair users and new elevated viewing platforms and elevators, and developing sensory rooms and changing facilities. New mid-level and pitch-level observation decks have also been introduced.
A Level Playing Field campaign sign on the gates outside Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough (Richard Sellers/PA)
“The Premier League is for everyone and we and our clubs will not tolerate discrimination. At the start of last season, league-wide bans were imposed on people found to have committed discriminatory abuse on premises or online.
“Clubs will continue to consult with supporters and a level playing field to improve accessible facilities on site and ensure the matchday experience is enjoyable for all.”
Commenting on the report, David McArdle, EFL Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: “Through our new EDI strategy, which will be launched over the summer, the EFL will step up our commitment to ensure the voices of under-represented groups, including Supporters with disabilities at all of our clubs will continue to be heard, which will enable effective and lasting change.”
“Making Wembley Stadium inclusive so that memorable events can be enjoyed by all is a strategic commitment for the FA.”
– FA Spokesman
Wembley Stadium offers dedicated seating areas on all levels for wheelchair users and guests with other disabilities, provides BSL interpretation at all major events including the 2022 FA Cup final for men and women and recently became the first venue in the country to offer the Spaces opened up to two immersive senses.
A Football Association spokesman said: “Making Wembley Stadium inclusive so that memorable events can be enjoyed by all is a strategic commitment for the FA.
“As part of our focus on disability, in 2021 we launched Football Your Way, our three-year plan designed to help develop, improve and raise awareness of disability across football in England.
“The unique plan encompasses seven key areas and demonstrates our commitment to enabling people with disabilities to participate in football their way, from the grassroots to the elite.”
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