13 Aug 2008Disabled fans given raw deal by Premier League clubs

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Nearly all Premier League football clubs are failing to provide disabled supporters with enough space in their grounds, research has claimed.

Despite increases to the cost of a disabled ticket, football research from the Liberal Democrats revealed that only two of the 20 teams in the division meet government guidelines.

One third of the teams have under half the recommended number of spaces while only 19 new spaces have been added over the summer.

Despite the lack of development for disabled fans, season ticket prices have increased by over £25 when compared with last season.

Don Foster, Liberal Democrat shadow culture, media and sport secretary, said it was "shameful".

"I'm staggered that, despite the huge demand for disabled spaces, many clubs aren't making any effort to encourage disabled fans into their grounds.

"Even for those lucky enough to get a space, ticket prices are rocketing," Mr Foster explained.

Only Hull City and Blackburn Rovers were meeting the correct guidelines while Fulham, Tottenham and Portsmouth were the worst.

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