sport news Man United told to take action against 'scumbag' fans caught posing as disabled ... trends now
Manchester United have been urged to take action against 'scumbag' fans who have been posing as disabled supporters to get into matches.
Mail Sport reported this week that United had received 'multiple' allegations of non-disabled fans turning up to away games in a wheelchair using tickets allocated to disabled supporters.
The club have confirmed a series of measures designed to prevent a repeat of the scam, including ordering all disabled fans with a wheelchair ticket to collect with valid ID and increased checks outside of stadiums, amid widespread condemnation of those involved.
Fans found to have unlawfully pass on their tickets have also been warned they could face sanctions - including lengthy bans - for touting. Under the club's rules, supporters are told to return their ticket for away games if they are unable to attend so they can be resold.
In response to Mail Sport's reporting, Level Playing Field - one of the country's leading disabled charities in sport - told United they must do more and said exploitation of the system 'increases suspicion and discrimination'.
Man United fans have been posing as disabled fans to gain access to away games (United supporters at Anfield earlier this season pictured)
'These allegations must be treated with extreme severity,' Level Playing Field chairman Tony Taylor said.
'Abuse of ticketing for disabled fans by non-disabled fans can directly deny opportunities to attend live sport and also sets us back so far on education around disability.
'Some of the rhetoric surrounding these reports online has been appalling. I myself am a part-time wheelchair user and will sometimes be seen using crutches instead.
'Misunderstanding of that is widespread and if non-disabled fans exploit ticketing for disabled fans, they increase suspicion and discrimination there, as well as for fans with nonvisible disabilities and those who may have fluctuating disabilities, in addition to directly denying access to the matchday through their selfishness.
'This behaviour cannot be tolerated, and the club must take action to ensure that tickets for disabled fans go to disabled fans.'
Disability charity Scope told Mail Sport the allegations were
