West Ham have scrapped plans to increase the cost of season tickets for disabled fans to the level of a band four regular season tickets, after fierce opposition from fans, the Mail are reporting this morning. Based on current season ticket prices, the price hike would have seen a 107% increase next season for disabled supporters, who were informed of the decision in a letter last month by the club's Disability Liaison Officer Julie Pidgeon, which cited a "careful ticketing review" as the catalyst for the decision.
The club have since backed down in the face of fan fury and Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady has sent a separate letter to fans taking into account the "feedback" from supporters and ruling out the proposed increase. However, Ms Brady also stated in the letter that anything up to a 50% increase in disabled season tickets could be on the cards, meaning that disabled fans could be paying as much as £145 more to watch the Irons at the Boleyn Ground during the 2013/2014 season, assuming that season ticket prices are unlikely to fall.
The club appear to have played this by the book and have reportedly consulted Level Playing Field before agreeing their pricing structure, an organisation which campaigns for equal rights for disabled football supporters, and a West Ham spokesman said last night that a new band five category will be created for disabled fans.
The spokesman stated "prices for disabled fans at West Ham United have not increased for 21 years (other than inflation.) Prices for the 2013/2014 season are being considered and reviewed in line with FA, Premier League and Level Playing Field rules."
"Following the review, a new Band 5 category will be created for disabled fans, meaning their season tickets and matchday tickets will be the cheapest available at the Boleyn Ground and will remain very competitive with other London Premier League club. Disabled supporters will also be able to bring a carer to the game for free and enjoy many other benefits."
A result, of sorts. Yet plenty of fans will still be dissatisfied that the prices are being raised at all and they may have a point. Everyone knows that the cost of football is rising but to even talk about cost hikes for disabled fans before widespread cost hikes is at best crass and at worst neglectful towards disabled fans. In this journalist's opinion, West Ham have treated disabled fans as a lesser priority to able-bodied fans and no amount of well-orchestrated club PR can cover over that.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
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