Level Playing Field is pleased that Bristol Rovers will now provide disabled and accessible seating for Barnsley supporters travelling to their Sky Bet League One match at the Memorial Stadium.
The club announced on Wednesday night, that fans requiring disabled or accessible seating would not be accommodated, following a delay to ongoing building works to improve facilities at Rovers’ home ground.
This was brought to the attention of Level Playing Field staff by supporters of Barnsley Football Club.
Level Playing Field took immediate action and engaged in urgent dialogue with Bristol Rovers. Representatives from the charity expressed concerns that the failure to provide accessible seating and spaces for away fans sends a distressing message, implying that disabled supporters’ presence is undervalued. Additionally, the potentially troubling precedent this may set for other clubs undergoing stadium renovations was highlighted. It was firmly emphasised that this discriminatory action is unacceptable and must be resolved promptly.
Chief Executive of Level Playing Field, Owain Davies, said: “We are glad that this situation has been resolved and what would have been a severe neglection of disabled fans has been avoided.
“We understand that the initial cause of this issue was building work, which alongside overall expansion, will improve facilities for disabled fans. Whilst we welcome these developments, disabled supporters should have been considered throughout the process.
“The start of the season should be a time for excitement when we all come back together to enjoy the sport we love. Unfortunately, this season started with some fans being excluded from that and that was completely unacceptable.
“We are pleased that Bristol Rovers has acknowledged and rectified its position. The club has now agreed to offer limited wheelchair and accessible seating options for Barnsley supporters. Bristol Rovers has also reached out to Barnsley, providing reassurance that they will accommodate any disabled supporters interested in attending the match.
“I am grateful to the Bristol Rovers staff, in particular their chief executive, Tom Gorringe, for cooperating with us on this matter, acceptance of the failure and swift action to rectify it.
“We encourage Bristol Rovers and all clubs to engage with disabled supporters and their respected Disabled Supporters’ Associations, when making decisions which impact disabled people.”
Any disabled Barnsley supporter wishing to attend this game, can now contact the Barnsley ticket office using the following information:
Email: boxoffice@barnsleyfc.co.uk
Phone: 01226211211
Level Playing Field is committed to advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in football. We firmly believe that all fans should be able to enjoy the game in an inclusive and supportive environment, regardless of their disability.
Disabled fans wanting to raise something happening at their club can get in touch with Level Playing Field.