English Premier League Clubs To Make Changes For Disabled Fans By August '17

All Premier League clubs "have agreed to improve access for disabled supporters by August 2017," according to the BBC. A '14 BBC investigation found that 17 of England's top-flight clubs "failed to provide enough wheelchair spaces." At the moment, 15 out of 20 clubs "will have to increase capacity to comply with guidelines on accessible stadiums." On Monday, a government report had criticized "the inadequate facilities and support for disabled fans at Premier League grounds." Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson MP said that "common sense can fix" some issues, but accepted other areas "will need some work." He said, "Frankly, some of it is disgraceful. There isn't provision in some grounds, supporters are split up or are put in with the away fans. I find that totally unacceptable" (BBC, 9/14).