A popular charity in the UK has condemned non-disabled Manchester United fans who have gone into the disabled section at away games. This comes after an exclusive on Tuesday from MailSport that United had received allegations of non-disabled fans using tickets for disabled supporters to attend matches in wheelchairs.
EXC: A leading charity has hit out at the #MUFC fans who have been posing as disabled supporters to gain access to away matches https://t.co/X4FdAsNtua
— Liam Morgan (@LMorgan21) May 1, 2024
Ticket requirements changed for disabled section at away games
As a result of the allegations, United have looked into the issue and held talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association (MUDSA). From now on, fans with a wheelchair ticket are required to show ID for away games.
As well as this, fans who pass on their tickets unlawfully will face sanctions, such as lengthy bans for touting. The club have now stressed that if disabled fans cannot attend a game, they should return their ticket so that it can be resold.
Chas Banks, secretary of the MUDSA, said: “I have seen with my own eyes evidence of these scumbags doing this, and I have the photos.”
“To the extent of them twice having been seen watching the match whilst sitting in a wheelchair on the wheelchair platform, and then the next game being seen standing in the able-bodied section bouncing up and down when United score a goal.
“I dearly hope that the anyone who gets caught at it receives the harshest possible sanction.
“This is not a victimless crime, and I find it very sad that some of the people who are losing out to these horrible selfish fans really are the least deserving of being robbed of their chance to get a ticket that they are entitled to. Because I promise you, for many of them, time is not on their side.”
‘Damaging consequences’ – Disability charity condemn United fans
The charity Scope has condemned United fans entering the disabled section at away games when they are not disabled themselves. Scope spokesperson Alison Kerry said: “There are a limited number of accessible tickets available to disabled football fans, so it’s disheartening to hear about this situation.
“We’d urge anyone abusing the system to think about the damaging consequences of their actions.
“There are already a multitude of barriers faced by disabled football fans from inaccessible stadiums and issues with public transport to negative attitudes from other fans.
“Disabled football fans should always have equal access to support their team.”
Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association also posted on X.com, “We fully support the stance @ManUtd, and our friends @MudsaO are taking in support of their disabled supporters. This is truly shocking! Enough is enough.”
We fully support the stance @ManUtd, and our friends @MudsaO are taking in support of their disabled supporters. This is truly shocking! Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/SFlPSRRivn
— Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association (@LiverpoolDSA) May 1, 2024