MUDSA is aware that, over a number of years, concerns have periodically been raised regarding the arrangements for disabled supporters who choose to wait in areas where they may have an opportunity to see players arriving at or leaving the stadium.
We would like to clarify MUDSA’s position.
These arrangements are not a ticketed or paid-for service and do not form part of a supporter’s match ticket or MUDSA membership. Consequently, there can be no guarantee of a particular position, an unobstructed view, access to the front of a barrier, or any opportunity to meet players, obtain autographs or take photographs.
The amount of space available, the layout of any waiting area and the number of supporters wishing to use it may also vary from match to match.
MUDSA does not operate these areas, allocate positions within them or have responsibility for their day-to-day management. Crowd management, safety and the physical arrangements around the stadium are matters for Manchester United.
Where there is a genuine concern about safety or accessibility, this should be reported to the Club so that it can be considered by the appropriate team. MUDSA will, where appropriate, continue to raise wider or recurring accessibility issues affecting disabled supporters generally.
However, MUDSA is not able to intervene in individual disputes regarding where somebody was able to stand or wait, who was positioned in front of them, whether somebody arrived earlier, or whether a supporter was able to see or interact with a player.
We appreciate that meeting players can be an enjoyable part of the matchday experience for some supporters, but it must be understood that this is an informal opportunity rather than a guaranteed service.
This statement represents MUDSA’s position on this matter and, where further individual enquiries are received concerning these arrangements, supporters will be referred to this guidance.