English Premier League football clubs have come under fire from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for making only “limited progress” on improving access for disabled fans at stadiums.
According to the BBC, a report from the EHRC said that 13 of the 20 teams in the English top tier are failing to provide the required number of wheelchair spaces, while just seven clubs have larger and fully equipped toilets.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were amongst the teams named in the report for having not met requirements in certain areas.
In addition, the report said that seven teams are breaking Premier League rules regarding the provision of information to supporters.
The Premier League has stated its commitment to improving disabled access at stadiums and clubs have set a deadline to meet standards by August of this year.
However, EHRC chair David Isaac said that the organisation will now launch an investigation into why clubs have not met the minimum requirements and also organise meetings with teams to ensure they improve disabled services.
“The end of the season is fast approaching and time is running out for clubs,” Isaac said according to the BBC.
“The information we received from some clubs was of an appalling standard, with data missing and with insufficient detail. What is clear is that very few clubs are doing the minimum to meet the needs of disabled supporters.
“The Premier League itself does not escape blame. They need to make the concerns of disabled fans a priority and start enforcing their own rulebook. We will be meeting individual clubs and asking them to explain themselves and tell us what their plans are.”
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