On the latest episode of The Guardian Football Weekly Podcast, we were very disappointed to hear that one of the podcasts journalists (Barney Ronay) decided to conduct an audio match report of the World Cup final from an accessible bathroom in Qatar because “It was the only quiet place.”
A non-disabled person should never use an accessible bathroom due to convenience.
We would like to ask the podcast openly…
“How would they feel if someone took away their independence simply for convenience?”
Because for disabled people, an accessible bathroom means independence; it means dignity. It means attending a football game because, for many disabled people, an accessible toilet is a necessity, not a convenience or luxury.
Unlike non-disabled toilets, an accessible toilet (for some) is the only bathroom a disabled person can use.
We are sure that Barney Ronay didn’t go into that accessible bathroom to cause a disabled person to wait. However, the moment he closes that door, he doesn’t know who is waiting outside or their circumstance.
If Barney needed somewhere quiet, he should have consulted with the press operations manager to find an office.
Over the years, we have heard stories of disabled football fans having to wet or soil themselves because of the misuse of accessible bathrooms.
Level Playing Field is not suggesting this happened in Qatar. We are simply highlighting that when a person misuses an accessible bathroom because it’s convenient, it does have ramifications and can be hugely damaging to the disabled fans as a whole.
People with hidden disabilities face accusations of misusing accessible bathrooms because of constant historical misuse. Having one of the world’s biggest podcasts conduct a match report due to convenience contributes to that issue.
Up and down the country this weekend, disabled football fans will hear excuses such as,
“I looked around, and no one was around when I went in.”
“I was quick.”
“There was a massive queue at the other toilets.”
“It’s ok. I work here.”
The simple fact is that accessible bathrooms should be for disabled people, not for the convenience of a journalist or a non-disabled person.
Everyone has a responsibility to make the game accessible and inclusive for disabled sports fans and disabled sports journalists. Delivering this shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of one person; it should be a collective effort.
We have written to The Guardian and the podcast privately and offered to explain why in more detail, the actions of recording for convenience in an accessible bathroom is damaging. We also invited the podcast to explore the subject matter of disabled people attending football in a wide capacity.