Premier League clubs have made limited progress on stadia accessibility for disabled fans, and broke Premier League rules, a review published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission has revealed. Analysis by the Commission, based on responses to questions put to all twenty Premier League clubs, has revealed:
Clare Lucas, Activism Manager for learning disability charity Mencap, who are part of the Changing Places Consortium for accessible toilets, said: „For too long Premier League clubs have neglected the needs of their disabled fans, many of whom are forced to be changed on toilet floors, because clubs are yet to install proper Changing Places facilities. It is simply inexcusable. So it’s incredibly promising that the Equality and Human Rights Commission is offering fans a much needed platform to voice their needs. I hope the Premier League clubs start listening and taking action. It’s time they support their fans in the same way that their fans support them.”
Tony Taylor, Chair of the Level Playing Field (LPF) charity promoting good access for all fans, said: „Level Playing Field fully supports the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on the progress made by Premier League clubs in meeting their own self-imposed deadline of August 2017. We note that potential legal investigations may follow into clubs who still fail to meet the minimum standards of access for their disabled supporters. Once again, we need to make absolutely clear that these minimum standards have been in place for many years and that there is simply no excuse as to why any club should fail to meet these basic criteria to providing an inclusive matchday experience for disabled fans. Indeed, we believe that Premier League clubs, with all their resources, should go well beyond what is considered to be the minimum requirements and should set the standard for all sports stadia. LPF have always worked closely with Premier League clubs and will continue to do so, and unequivocally welcome the firm stance the Commission is taking on the issue.” (Stadiaworld, 21.04.2017)