ManU is "moving 2,600 fans in order to create 300 new positions for disabled supporters at Old Trafford," according to Simon Peach of the London INDEPENDENT. Following consultation with the Equality & Human Rights Commission and ManU Disabled Supporters' Association, the club on Tuesday "announced changes in line with the Accessible Stadia guide." The structural alterations will be completed in August and affect 2,600 season ticket holders, "with the relocation of those affected phased over three years." The club has devised "a goodwill package for those supporters being moved," while the changes will eventually see the overall capacity of Old Trafford reduced to around 73,300 (
INDEPENDENT, 1/24). The BBC reported a '14 investigation found the club offered 43% of the "recommended number of wheelchair spaces." The new positions for disabled supporters will see the East Stand accessible platform "extended across and into the Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton Stands." Though structural work will be complete by August, "the use of the spaces will be phased in while existing season-ticket holders are moved." As part of the changes at Old Trafford:
- ManU will sell season tickets "in accessible sections."
- Some disabled fans "must pay for tickets from next season" (phased in from 25% of the full price, to 100% by '20-21).
Disability charity Level Playing Field said that it was disappointed ManU "would not meet the Premier League's pledge but congratulated the club on the improvements being made" (
BBC, 1/24).
FAN GROUP CRITICAL: In Manchester, Charlotte Duncker reported the ManU Supporters Trust has criticized the compensation offered by the club to fans who will be moved "as part of the changes to disabled seating." The club said that it will compensate relocated supporters by "covering any difference in ticket cost for one season and providing free cup tickets for all ties played at Old Trafford for a season." However, M.U.S.T. believes the package "is not enough" and has asked the club to "extend the one-season price freeze" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 1/24).
