After the three fans were then told that the disabled section was full – Manchester United has only 120 seats for wheelchair users – they were taken to their seats and had their crutches and walking sticks taken away during the game. Greater Manchester Police confirmed to the Telegraph that an officer was told by a steward that ground regulations prevented the supporters’ entry and that, after the officer called the stadium control room, he was told the fans could use their walking aids to get to their seats and they would then be returned after the game.
A survey of Premier League clubs by the Telegraph showed that just three of the 20 stadiums currently reach recommended spaces for wheelchair users. The Football Task Force, of which the Premier League was a part, said in 1998 that these numbers should apply to all grounds and these guidelines were then also outlined in the 2003 Accessible Stadia guide for new stadiums.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all in the bottom half of the Premier League table for their relative provision, despite generating hundreds of millions in revenue each year and being among the top 15 richest clubs in the world. With campaigners losing faith in the willingness of the Premier League to force change, even after the announcement of a new £5.136 billion broadcast deal, they are now preparing to take action both through Parliament and the courts.