It has been reported that Manchester United Football Club may face legal action following complaints about their treatment of disabled fans at matches, including an incident where stewards confiscated the walking stick of an Arsenal fan in his eighties. One family with a disabled son were reportedly told to go to watch Stockport instead because Stockport has the required space!
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to the Premier League and Manchester United seeking a meeting and assurance that disabled fans will be treated fairly.
Like any business, Premier League clubs have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure reasonable adjustment for disabled fans and to make sure they do not discriminate against them in the provision of goods and services. United are one of 17 Premier League clubs currently failing to meet minimum guidelines for the number of wheelchair spaces at matches.
The complaints against the club include disabled fans being prevented from obtaining season tickets, a lack of adequate space for wheelchair users, and problems for families with young disabled children being unable to sit together to enjoy a game. A spokesman for the club says that the club is working proactively with the Premier League to accommodate more disabled supporters.
Source: The Telegraph: Manchester United facing legal action over disabled fans, 5 June 2015.
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