A long way gone, a long way to go: disabled access in football stadiums
Disabled football fans, of course, have every right to enjoy a football match the same as any other fan.
Unfortunately, the layout of near enough every football stadium requires stairs, but clubs take measures to try and make games more accessible otherwise.
Vast improvements have been made over the last several decades, but many away disabled sections offer a very restricted view.
To get an educated perspective, most clubs create Disabled Supporters Associations, usually headed by disabled fans who know what needs to be done to improve their experience.
One such recent is example is Partick Thistle’s DSA, which was officially relaunched just last month.
They aim to make sure their club is a club for all, already having set up meetings with fans and a platform for volunteers to join.
We spoke to a member of the Thistle DSA, as well as long-standing member of Greenock Morton’s DSA, about the experience of a disabled football fan, and why more still needs to be done.
Of course, not every stadium could be considered non-inclusive. PTFC have put much investment into their disabled viewing platform.
While most disabled fans will appreciate how far things have come in the modern footballing era, they would too appreciate a truly equal viewing experience.
Andy Adams from Morton’s DSA suggested having viewing areas for ambulant (able to walk) disabled people that are mixed in with the standard seating areas.
Disabled Supporters Associations across Scotland will continue working tirelessly in the hope of a fully inclusive future for football.
