An open letter to Manchester United

To all our members,

In light of the recent issues regarding stewards, price rises and other areas that affect you all I felt the need to voice a number of concerns publicly to the club. Talks are always going on in the background but in this case it’s important that you as members see that we are taking your concerns seriously and they are being brought to senior leadership of the club.

The message is one of disappointment at the recent decisions made and that fact we feel this makes it difficult for our members to attend games. It’s important the club understand the barriers that we all have to overcome to support our beloved team and help adjust to make this as easy as possible for all varieties of disability.

Here is my letter sent to each individual………..

Dear Sir Jim, Omar, Collette, Sam, Jim, Rick and other members of the senior leadership team,

I am writing to you as the Secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association to express grave concerns regarding the gradual exclusion of individuals with disabilities from attending matches to support our beloved Manchester United.

During my short tenure as Secretary, I have witnessed a decline in stewarding standards. Stewards have been observed with poor communication skills and an unwillingness to engage verbally with our members. They are also lacking training in understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, they have been found to be unprepared to respond promptly to alarms raised in disabled toilets.

Individuals who require assistance entering the stadium have encountered additional challenges and anxieties. Fans standing up around the ground has become so obstructive that some games result in missed action for long periods on the wheelchair platforms. My members and I consider these issues unacceptable and demand immediate attention.

While I am willing to assist in training stewards, I believe that the primary responsibility for addressing these concerns lies with the club and its decision to transition to a majority of agency stewards.

Despite the deterioration of the experience for our members when attending games, we are subsequently informed about the proposed price increases. While I am disappointed, the proposed price hikes have not been frozen I understand the price rise of 5%. I am concerned about the tiered ticketing system and what it will cost our non-season ticket holders to attend games. Furthermore, I and my members are shocked to discover a 15% increase in parking fees. There are two primary reasons behind our feelings. Firstly, using a car or mobility vehicle is essential for many of our members to attend matches. Public transportation is not a viable option for many of us. Train station access and assistance are among the numerous challenges we face. Therefore, I believe it is highly unjust to impose this price increase.

Many facilities provide complimentary disabled parking. While I do not anticipate that this should be extended to us, I feel some form of concession should be granted. Unemployment rates in the disabled community are significantly higher than the general population. Many of our members are already struggling to afford to attend games. If these price increases are implemented, I have received numerous messages indicating that many members will be unable to renew their memberships. These are loyal fans who have made significant financial contributions over the years and should be valued. Many travel extensively to support the team.

I urge you to consider implementing a disabled parking discount, which would be a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that disabled individuals are not disadvantaged. We believe that this is currently the case. I believe due to the small percentage of people using disabled parking this wouldn’t have a huge financial impact on the club and therefore the benefit outweighs the cost.

 Additionally, I request that you review the 16 out of 19 game rules for those with disabilities. There are numerous health, carer/personal assistant, and kit/equipment reasons why an able-bodied person does not have to contend with the same challenges. Consequently, it is not always feasible to provide two weeks’ notice to withdraw from attending a game. I propose that this be reduced and the £10 fee waived for our members. The club currently sells wheelchair PA tickets when they are returned late. Therefore, I do not believe this would pose a challenge for the club to sell them within two weeks.

Finally, I would like to express my concern regarding the recent reduction of the pensioners’ discount from 50% to 25%. This significant decrease in discount, coupled with the additional 5% and 15% parking surcharges for those who drive, is particularly burdensome for our loyal supporters who have consistently contributed financially to the club. As individuals who have recently experienced a reduction in their income due to government policies, it is imperative that our club demonstrates a commitment to their well-being. The principles of respect and consideration for our elders are fundamental to our club’s values, and I urge the club to prioritise the needs of its members.

Furthermore, I am concerned about the growing disconnect between our club and its fans, particularly regarding the increasing emphasis on disability issues. This is especially pertinent as we embark on the planning process for a new stadium. I implore the club to consider not only the legal requirements but also the needs and preferences of its members.

Our club’s foundation lies in the values of youth, community, and its supporters. I would welcome discussions on these matters and encourage the club to engage in meaningful conversations with our members. In the past, MUDSA has maintained a positive relationship with the club, and I believe that this is not as good as it should be at present. I urge the club to consider the above requests of our members and eagerly await your response. I would welcome more regular contact with both Omar and Collete in particular to build a stronger relationship and understanding for our disabled members and their needs.

Yours sincerely,

Rick Clement

MUDSA Secretary

On behalf of the MUDSA members.