Frankie 8,295 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Relevant to the Rangers chat section given the source of the photo.... Like I've said before, safe standing may be the in-vogue debate but until we can offer our disabled fans the same opportunities you and I get, then it makes me uncomfortable to spend hundreds of thousands on converting seated stands into standing areas. Sure, let's do that but why not incorporate a good amount of disabled platforms to the rear of such sections into the design? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-41094166 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
forlanssister 3,084 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Bit surprised at the response the picture has generated as I've previously posted worse. To be fair to Ross County that scene can be virtually replicated across the vast majority of the grounds in Scotland with the honourable exceptions of Tynecastle and McDiarmid Park. Not quite sure how Fulton MacGregor can make the following claim.... He added that disabled access was taken seriously by Scottish clubs. ....having attended all SPFL grounds barring Cliftonhill and Meadowbank my experience is that the opposite is true. Most clubs take it that seriously that they'll issue the odd statement, post the odd item on their website and em that's about it, their actions don't extend to spending money and creating suitable wheelchair spaces that offer a view of the whole pitch and a modicum of shelter. SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor, who is the convenor of Holyrood's cross party working group on the Future of Football, told Good Morning Scotland that it was "incumbent on football clubs" to make sure they catered for all fans. Perhaps Mr MacGregor can tell us who is incumbent for ensuring that clubs do actually cater for all fans as it doesn't appear to be his Government nor either the SPFL or SFA. The Government of which Mr MacGregor is a member of has the power to rectify this as have both the SPFL and the SFA but other than the odd platitude they all do absolutely nothing. No Scottish Government has done anything to improve disabled access to and the facilities therein of any football ground in Scotland. The SPFL and the SFA are an even bigger joke . It's barely two years ago that the SFA deliberately, calculatingly and knowingly screwed over Scottish wheelchair fans at Hampden for the sake of some filthy lucre from German TV, they pocketed tens of thousands issued a couple of grand in refunds and a half hearted faux apology. Nice to see Police Scotland get in on the act too... "We will take on board the concerns raised about this blocking the view of disabled supporters and will include this issue in pre-match briefings in future to ensure we allow fans in this section a good view of the pitch." ....considering they too have been aware of the concerns for years and when these concerns are put to them during games they're met by nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/11850846/SFA-apologises-for-blocking-disabled-fans-view-with-advertising-boards.html In the sorry tale of Scottish football there is no moral high ground, it affects the supporters of each and every club. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEARGER 1,829 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Surely a cause Club1872 should be taking up with the club and the Scottish Government. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
forlanssister 3,084 Posted September 1, 2017 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Surely a cause Club1872 should be taking up with the club and the Scottish Government. Will need to wait till after the elections to see if there's anybody willing to take up the challenge. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
forlanssister 3,084 Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Good to see the English taking it seriously Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are facing the threat of legal action after leading clubs were told they should “hang their heads in shame” at breaking a collective promise to meet minimum standards for disabled fans. An exclusive Telegraph investigation can now reveal almost half of all Premier League clubs do not meet guidelines set out in the Accessible Stadia Guide, despite a joint announcement more than two years ago that committed them to reaching that standard by August 2017. The pledge was made after The Telegraph exposed how only three clubs were meeting basic *recommendations which dated back to 1998, as well as a stark government warning that there could be “no *excuses” for inaction. “People who believed in the clarity of the pledge in 2015 will feel they have been kicked in the teeth,” Lord Holmes, a Conservative peer and the winner of nine Paralympic gold medals, said. “They made a clear and unequivocal commitment and this is a miserable result. The Premier League shows what we can do at our best in sport and it is an extraordinary stain running through it that we are only about 50 per cent there in terms of basic accessibility.” The Equality and Human Rights Commission is investigating potentially unlawful and discriminatory practices but says that it is being slowed in its inquiries by the lack of clarity from unnamed clubs. “This has delayed our final report as we review the new evidence and which of our enforcement powers we should use,” Rebecca Hilsenrath, the EHRC chief executive, said. “It is clear a significant number of clubs have failed to meet the Premier League’s own pledge deadline. While some have made progress and taken the bit between their teeth, others have shown a worrying lack of interest in taking this seriously, neglecting the needs of their disabled supporters.” Architects have estimated that the pledge would have cost only £7.2 million to fulfil in its most basic form. To put that in perspective, the clubs collectively spent £1.4 billion on players this summer. The Premier League says that building challenges, rather than cost, is the main obstacle but campaigners point to the clubs’ own evident *belief two years ago it could be done, as well as the impressive *progress made at some stadiums. There is also a feeling the Premier League rule book sends the wrong message. In it, there are just 11 words that relate to “sufficient and adequate” facilities for disabled supporters. By contrast, stadium requirements in other areas are outlined in precise detail, including 23 lines about giant screens, three pages on floodlights and even 14 lines about the working conditions of the away club’s video analyst. “It is about attitude, values, culture and approach,” said Lord Holmes. “There has been very positive action by some Premier League clubs and some incredible actions by clubs like Wrexham and Tranmere. Their intent and will to do what they can should leave those Premier League clubs who failed to hang their heads in shame.” Chelsea and Manchester United are under most scrutiny, with the EHRC assessing clubs according to the Equality Act of 2010 that *requires all service providers to make “reasonable adjustments”. Watford, Everton, Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also being monitored. The EHRC’s enforcement powers include formal investigations, legal proceedings or to enter into legally binding agreements. Eleven clubs do meet the guidelines, while *recently promoted clubs, notably Burnley and Huddersfield, have been given additional time. Newcastle have also agreed an extra year due to being relegated, even though they were part of the original pledge. “When the announcement came we were told August of this year and we are still waiting,” said Tony Taylor, the chairman of Level Playing Field. “We want to know from the Premier League how many clubs have met the pledge and what steps will be taken with regard to those clubs who have not. We get calls every day from disabled fans who are asking what is going on.” Structural work at Manchester United is now complete but the new areas are not yet being made available to wheelchair users for Premier League games. A Manchester United spokesman said additional assessments were required “to ensure the safe and smooth integration of disabled and non-disabled supporters” where work had taken place. Wheelchair spaces will also now rise beyond 200 for some games as they carry out tests, including for Wednesday’s League Cup against Burton Albion. Chelsea are continuing “to investigate opportunities to further *improve facilities” but noted the constraints of Stamford Bridge’s “age and design”. They intend to be fully compliant when they redevelop the ground. Both Chelsea and Manchester United say they are assisting the EHRC with its review. The Premier League is now compiling its own report and their data shows around 1,000 wheelchair bays have been added in the last two years – an *increase of around 50 per cent. “Premier League clubs have delivered a substantial programme of work to improve their disabled access provisions,” said a spokesman. Wheelchair spaces How top flight measure up Arsenal Recommended minimum 250Actual numbers 258Meeting guidelines? Yes The club made further improvements this summer to ensure that they exceed guidelines Bournemouth Recommended minimum 107Actual numbers 195Meeting guidelines? No Meet numbers but do not provide sufficient choice of seat. Club have made improvements and intend to match pledge when they move stadium Brighton Recommended minimum 180Actual numbers 221Meeting guidelines? Yes One of only four stadiums – with The Emirates, Pride Park and Wembley – to be described a centre of excellence by Level Playing Field Burnley Recommended minimum 154Actual numbers 42Meeting guidelines? No Club were given two years from promotion and they plan to reach guidelines by start of next season Chelsea Recommended minimum 214Actual numbers 108Meeting guidelines? No Say they will meet guidelines once they move ground. They hope to begin work in 2019 and move into new facility by 2022 Crystal Palace Recommended minimum 168Actual numbers 128Meeting guidelines? No More than doubled their numbers this summer but still working on further improvements to meet requirements Everton Recommended minimum 209Actual numbers 118Meeting guidelines? No Number is taken from Premier League report in April when club said they would begin construction work this summer Huddersfield Recommended minimum 162Actual numbers 102Meeting guidelines? No Say they can already temporarily increase number by 75 and, as newly promoted, Premier League has given them until 2019 Leicester Recommended minimum 187Actual numbers 197Meeting guidelines? Yes One of the few clubs who were compliant before the promise was made in 2015 Liverpool Recommended minimum 238Actual numbers 250Meeting guidelines? Yes Major works at Anfield over the past year have increased the numbers beyond the guidelines Man Utd Recommended minimum 282Actual numbers 120Meeting guidelines? No Building work is complete to meet guidelines but new spaces will not all be available for league matches until 2020 Man City Recommended minimum 242Actual numbers 254Meeting guidelines? Yes Among those clubs who were compliant before the promise was made in 2015 Newcastle Recommended minimum 234Actual numbers 160Meeting guidelines? No Part of the initial Premier League pledge but since relegated and now say they have an extra year to make up shortfall Southampton Recommended minimum 186Actual numbers 193Meeting guidelines? Yes One of the few clubs who were virtually compliant before the promise was made in 2015 Stoke City Recommended minimum 174Actual numbers 186Meeting guidelines? Yes Have completed major works this summer which mean they now exceed guidelines Swansea Recommended minimum 153Actual numbers 153Meeting guidelines? Yes One of the few clubs who were compliant before the promise was made in 2015 Tottenham Recommended minimum 260Actual numbers 265Meeting guidelines? Yes White Hart Lane was well below requirements but the new stadium – and Wembley – meet guidelines Watford Recommended minimum 153Actual numbers 92Meeting guidelines? No Club say numbers have increased in line with perceived demand and further plans are in place West Brom Recommended minimum 170Actual numbers 171Meeting guidelines? Yes Works were completed this summer and club do now meet guidelines West Ham Recommended minimum 250Actual numbers 253Meeting guidelines? Yes The new London Stadium staged the Paralympics and fully meets the Accessible Stadia Guide http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/09/18/manchester-united-chelsea-face-legal-threat-told-hang-heads/ Personally I'm not aware of any single Scottish club meeting the guidelines though Hearts may with the completion of their new stand. What I've seen of the plans for Aberdeen's proposed new stadium it will not comply. Rangers need to increase capacity by over 100%. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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