A DISABLED Crystal Palace fan of more than 30 years says he may stop going to games because his view has been restricted by television studios.
Paul Williamson, 43, who has cerebral palsy and uses a mobility scooter, has been going to Selhurst Park since 1980 with his father Peter.
But on attending the first game of the season against Tottenham Hotspurs, he arrived to find the view from his seat in the disabled section was severely obstructed by new TV studios installed for additional Premier League coverage.
The purpose-built section for disabled fans, seating about 20, has now been moved to the Arthur Wait stand.
But Mr Williamson said the new section is even worse, because when fans stand up at key moments he can no longer see any action on the pitch.
Mr Williamson, of South Croydon, said: “Palace is my enjoyment. I’ve seen them through the bad times and the good and I was looking forward to this season after getting promoted.
“I love going because it is my entertainment.
“I’ve been so disheartened the last few games that I said to my dad the other day ‘I don’t want to go any more’.”
After the Tottenham game, Mr Williamson and other disabled supporters were given tickets in executive boxes.
Mr Williamson added: “That was a nice goodwill gesture, but I don’t understand why they didn’t consult us over the move to the Arthur.
“If we had tried it out or tested it, we would have known straight away that it was not going to work.”
The diehard Eagle said he has sent letters to chairman Steve Parish, stadium manager Kevin Corner and disabled fans co-ordinator Pam Groves.
He only received a response this week from Ms Groves, and said he was disappointed by how the matter has been handled.
Mr Williamson added: “It’s not acceptable really. I went to Wembley for the play-off final and everything was fantastic.
“I know Selhurst isn’t quite on that level, but as a Premier League club I don’t see why they can’t sort this out.
“I live off disability benefits and I pay good money for my ticket and this has really upset me.”
A spokesman for the club said it was investigating the complaint but no others had been received.
LPF were made aware at the start of the season that a number of disabled viewing spaces could potentially be compromised by the new 3-D TV cameras being installed. However, LPF was reassured by the authorities that this wouldn¹t be the case. LPF is therefore very concerned to hear about these stories and we will be contacting the club and the authorities to discuss this further. If your views or seating arrangements have been compromised or withdrawn at your club, please let us know by contacting us at info@levelplayingfield.org.uk or by calling 01244 893584