MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE confirmed plans for improvements to Old Trafford in order to provide extra space for disabled supporters.
The “significant structural work” will accommodate over 300 new positions for disabled supporters and includes the installation of new wheelchair user platforms, the widening of entrances and exits, as well as new amenity seats for other disabled supporters.
The building work will displace 2,600 season ticket holders and it could take up to three years for the club to provide them with alternative seating.
However, 800 fans will be relocated for the 2017/18 season, by which time the building work has to be completed.
The move follows a parliamentary report in the UK which criticised facilities for disabled supporters and stated that MPs would support legal action to force compliance by clubs with the minimum provision set out by law.
The club says it has devised a goodwill package for supporters who will need to be relocated, “in recognition of the inconvenience and disappointment that moving seats causes.
“This includes covering any difference in cost (if seats cannot be found in an equivalently priced area) and free cup tickets for all ties played at Old Trafford for a year.”
Chas Banks, Secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA) welcomed the changes, saying:
“I’m filled with pride that the club I’ve supported since first coming to Old Trafford as a little boy in 1957, is leading the way in increasing accessible seating to meet the standards set out in the Accessible Stadia guide. It’s a dream come true for me and many other disabled United fans.”
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