Ministers highlight ‘inexcusable’ lack of disabled access at some sports clubs and venues

Ministers have urged sports clubs and venues to step up their game on access for disabled fans, after the launch of a government report.

The inclusive and accessible stadia report

The inclusive and accessible stadia report published today highlights the frustrations of disabled sports fans across the UK and found that some disabled fans are unable to sit with their children, or with their fellow supporters, when attending matches.

Other difficulties and complaints include:

Now the government is calling on clubs to take urgent action to provide appropriate support and space for disabled spectators, and reminding them of their legal obligations to provide adequate room and adjustments.

While some clubs and venues have made good progress on improving access, the report recognises that more can still be done to improve the experience for disabled fans.

Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said:

As a life-long sports fan, I take it for granted that I can support my team each weekend. Everyone should have that same opportunity, and it’s absolutely unacceptable that this is clearly not the case. ‪

Sport has a proud history of rising to social challenges and I urge clubs to stand by their disabled fans, just as their fans stand by them. ‪

This report paints a compelling picture of the challenges faced by disabled sports fans – their voices can no longer be ignored, and there can be no excuses for inaction.‪‬

A disability should not be a barrier to attending sporting events but this report shows that there is still work to be done to improve access and the matchday experience for disabled fans.

While some progress has been made and there are examples of good practice across sport, we want to see more from clubs and sports venues on inclusion across the board.