Manchester United could face legal action after taking walking sticks from travelling Arsenal fans

 

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Possible action: Arsenal fans had walking sticks taken away ahead of the 1-1 draw in May
GETTY
Tom Dutton6 June 2015

Manchester United could face legal action from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after the club confiscated walking aids from travelling Arsenal fans last month.

Upon entering the ground on May 17, a number of away supporters had their crutches and walking sticks taken away from them and they were not returned until after the final whistle.

And the EHRC have said United could face legal action.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief legal officer at the EHRC said: "Premier League clubs have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure reasonable adjustment for disabled fans and to make sure they do not discriminate against them in the provision of goods and services.

"While our preference is always to work with organisations to avoid costly legal proceedings, all options remain on the table because disabled fans deserve better."

United defended their approach on Saturday morning, claiming walking sticks and other aids can be used as weapons.

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"Our club policy is to encourage any supporters who require the use of crutches or a walking aid to contact the club in advance to ensure each case is adequately risk assessed and that we can ensure safe evacuation in the event of emergency," a United spokesperson said.

"On some rare occasions, we have also experienced such devices being used as weapons. This policy is displayed at the turnstiles and on our website. The disability liaison officers from both clubs also communicate this policy in advance.

"Where supporters arrive without having pre-notified us of the need for such devices, our stewarding team performs a dynamic risk assessment which usually involves finding a solution to accompany the supporter to their seat and storing the walking device during the game.

"At the game in question a significant number of visiting supporters who had not pre-notified the club arrived with walking devices.

"Therefore the above system was put into place."

United denied reports disabled supporters had been denied entry.

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