FREE entry to Sheffield Wednesday matches for disabled fans and their carers could be scrapped by the cash-strapped club for the coming season.
The heavily indebted club is currently one of only a few around the country which does not currently ask supporters in wheelchairs, or their carers, to pay. Instead fans with disabilities are allowed to sit in designated areas of the North and Leppings Lane stands.
The heavily indebted club is currently one of only a few around the country which does not currently ask supporters in wheelchairs, or their carers, to pay. Instead fans with disabilities are allowed to sit in designated areas of the North and Leppings Lane stands.
But a statement on the website of Sheffield Wednesday Disabled Association, headed 'Disabled Season Tickets for the 2009-2010 Season' reveals: "The price for disabled season tickets has been agreed as £100 adults and £70 under-17s."
It adds: "We would like to thank Sheffield Wednesday for their generosity to disabled supporters."
Details of whether carers are to be charged in addition have not been revealed.
The move would bring Wednesday into line with clubs including Sheffield United, whose disabled fans are charged £100 for a season ticket at Bramall Lane, but where carers get in free.
However, a meeting is to take place between Sheffield Wednesday and the Disabled Association this week to review the proposed charges after unhappiness among some fans.
One woman who contacted The Star said: "The disabled people I know do not mind paying but are a bit shocked at how this is coming about, and the manner in which they are being told about it."
Owls fan and Brightside MP David Blunkett, one of the club's leading disabled fans, said: "This is the first that I have heard about these prices - but I do know that changes to season ticket prices were agreed under the club's previous administration, and that new chairman Lee Strafford and chief executive Nick Parker are trying to take a medium-term view."
Chris White, chairman of Sheffield Wednesday Disabled Association, said: "I am unable to comment on this matter as we are currently in discussion with representatives of SWFC."
Trevor Braithwaite, of Sheffield Wednesday, said he was unable to confirm details on the Association website.
The Star (S. Yorkshire), 23rd April 2009
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