Manchester United have received allegations that a selection of fans are posing as disabled supporters to gain access to away matches this season.
The fans have been labelled as ‘scumbags’ for misuse of the disability seats which allow premium access to supporters typically in wheelchairs.
As reported by The Daily Mail, the club is given dedicated spaces for wheelchair users at away games but reports of ‘widespread misuse’ have recently occurred.
Chas Banks, secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, told the latest meeting of the Fans’ Forum there have been multiple breaches of the rules.
“I have seen with my own eyes evidence of these scumbags doing this, and I have the photos;” he said.
“To the extent of them twice having been seen watching the match whilst sitting in a wheelchair on the wheelchair platform, and then the next game being seen standing in the able-bodied section bouncing up and down when United score a goal.”
Banks expressed his disappointment at the actions of the supporters in question and hopes order can be restored to allow as many disabled fans as possible the opportunity to watch their heroes.
“This is not a victimless crime, and I find it very sad that some of the people who are losing out to these horrible selfish fans really are the least deserving of being robbed of their chance to get a ticket that they are entitled to.
“Because I promise you, for many of them, time is not on their side,” Banks added.
It’s believed the tickets have either been passed on to non-disabled supporters directly or through a third party, which is against United’s ticket policy.
The club has confirmed they are aware of the claims and will be dealing with the matter accordingly.
United’s next away fixture is coming up on bank holiday Monday as Erik ten Hag takes his side to the capital to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
