Posted on 23rd January 2025
Cost of football a rising concern for disabled fans
Disabled supporters still have significant problems with access to live football while cost is an increasing concern, according to a new survey by campaign group Level Playing Field (LPF).
One in three respondents (33%) cited “physical access at stadiums” as a barrier to attending live sporting events, followed by the “attitude of others” (26%).
“Difficulty purchasing tickets” (24.5%) and “anxiety or lack of confidence” (24%) were also significant barriers to attendance.
The survey found that the “cost of attending” was of rising concern for disabled fans, with 22.5% citing cost as a barrier. This was the largest year-on-year increase in any of the highlighted categories.
Level Playing Field: “Clubs should take note of the significant increase in respondents stating that the cost of attending is a barrier for them.”
The survey was completed by more than 2,000 disabled supporters in 2024.
While the survey was open to fans of all sports, the vast majority of respondents were football supporters, with more than 90% following a club in the Premier League, EFL or National League. Half of those followed top-flight clubs.
Level Playing Field chair Tony Taylor said: “These results have identified key areas for action, and I am grateful so many disabled fans shared their experiences with us.”
This year’s survey shows a continued the year-on-year increase in the number of disabled fans who said that ‘disability abuse is a barrier when attending live sport’ – from 5.5%
in 2021, to 6.5%, then 7%, and now 8.5% this year.
Increasing numbers of disabled fans are also reporting a deterioration in public transport accessibility – 22% reported issues this season, up from 17.5% in 2021.
Digital ticketing was raised as an issue for the first time and 26.5% of respondents said that they would benefit from having a physical ticket. Similarly, 20% said that they would
benefit from the option to pay using cash.
“The trends we have seen continue are particularly concerning and will take much of our focus,” Taylor said. “I am pleased to confirm the charity has already had engagement from other organisations, to make vital improvements to access and inclusion in response to these results.
“Once again, it is encouraging to see a drop in the proportion of fans telling us they are unable to attend some venues due to inaccessibility. The figures there remain unacceptable however and show how much work there is still to be done.”
