A flare was thrown into a wheelchair user section at Old Trafford, during the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and Liverpool.
A supporter has been charged with possession of a pyrotechnic and throwing missiles.
The most recent Level Playing Field Annual Fan Survey results revealed 31% of disabled fans have ‘been impacted by the use of flares, smoke bombs, and other such pyrotechnics (by other fans) when attending live sport’. A significant proportion classified the impact as having the maximum level of seriousness.
It is a criminal offence to carry pyrotechnics at a stadium and at the start of last season, the FA came together with other governing bodies to introduce new measures and stronger sanctions.
Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, said: “The scenes at Old Trafford during Sunday’s quarter-final were very disappointing, but all too familiar.
“Pyrotechnics can mean danger for many disabled fans across all areas of a stadium and the effect on a wheelchair user section in this case is particularly concerning.
“The data now shows that almost a third of disabled fans are impacted by pyrotechnics, but there is still not enough understanding from wider fanbases, or a proactive enough approach from authorities to stop these repeated incidents.
“Everyone should be safe on matchdays, but while supporters continue to endanger their fellow fans with pyrotechnics and sufficient measures are not in place to prevent them being brought into grounds, this will not be the case.”
The flare was thrown shortly ahead of half-time and is reported to have come from the away supporters’ section during celebrations of Liverpool taking the lead.
Level Playing Field have been in contact with both clubs and the relevant disabled supporters’ associations following the incident.