UEFA have been challenged by fans to make ‘meaningful change’ for disabled supporters across the country.
This follows a survey of 232 people with disabilities who have raised concerns over accessibility and inclusion at grounds in Europe.
However Europe’s governing body UEFA has said they’re “committed to strengthening inclusivity and accessibility at stadiums across Europe, not just in matches organised by Uefa”.
Despite improvements in recent years, many prominent issues still remain. Some fans already face various issues even before reaching the ground. For others, the cost of the support proves a significant financial burden.
Solent University student Beau Brown who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair believes more can be done to help people who face similar problems when attending games.
” Obviously it’s better the higher up the pyramid you go but there are major issues that need to be addressed, I was at the charity match a few weeks ago at St Mary’s and I was in the accessible bit but when you’ve got the entire stadium standing in front of you its impossible to see.
“Clubs just need to be more open. Something I’ve realised is the lack of accessibility as a journalist. You can’t just go to Old Trafford, Tottenham or West Ham where you would hope with the modern nature of the grounds, they would have a degree of accessibility.
“Yes we’re on the right track but we’re nowhere near we need to be. It’s the missing out on things whereby actually there’s no reason why I should be less entitled to attend a game because of something.”
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