Disability charity Scope has issued a stern warning to Manchester United fans who have been fraudulently posing as disabled supporters to gain access to away matches. Scope strongly condemns this behavior, emphasizing its detrimental impact on genuine disabled fans.
The Scam Uncovered:
Scope has received numerous allegations of non-disabled Manchester United fans using wheelchairs and forged or borrowed disability badges to enter stadiums with tickets designated for disabled supporters.
Consequences for Disabled Fans:
Scope highlights the severe consequences of this scam for authentic disabled fans:
• They may be denied access to matches or forced into less accessible seating areas.
• The availability of tickets for disabled fans may diminish.
• Trust between disabled fans and the club may erode.
Impact on Manchester United:
Manchester United has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. The club has been accused of insufficient efforts to prevent non-disabled fans from exploiting disabled access. Calls have been made for stricter measures to validate disability badges.
Scope’s Recommendations:
Scope has urged Manchester United to implement the following steps:
• Establish a robust system to verify disability badge authenticity.
• Increase steward presence at away matches to monitor disabled access usage.
• Educate fans on the importance of respecting disabled access.
• Collaborate with disability organizations to develop strategies to prevent future scams.
Scope’s warning underscores the gravity of non-disabled fans posing as disabled. This scam harms genuine disabled fans and undermines sportsmanship. Manchester United and other football clubs must prioritize addressing this issue and ensuring equal match access for all fans.
