Manchester City has faced backlash from their disabled fans due to the introduction of parking charges for matchdays just before the start of the season. Previously, the club did not charge their Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) for the 300 parking spots at the Etihad Stadium offered to the group for every match. However, the club recently notified them of immediate changes. Despite protests from supporters regarding the charges and the sudden implementation, each car will now have to pay £6 per game, which could amount to over £2,000 in revenue if all spots are filled.
The club claims that the parking charges will not be for profit but will instead cover the costs of running the car park. They stated that the decision was made after a high number of bookings last season were not utilized. While more than half of the Premier League clubs already charge disabled fans for parking, Manchester United is reported to have increased their prices for disabled parking to £323 for the season, a 20% increase from last year. In comparison, City believes their pricing is reasonable.
However, the sudden introduction of parking charges has not been well received by hundreds of supporters who now face an unexpected expense of over £100 to watch their team. The DSA had proposed a deposit system during meetings with the club, where people would only be charged if they did not take up a booked spot. This proposal was disregarded, and the DSA anticipates that matchday parking fees will double to £12 next season, aligning with the rate for non-Blue Badge parking.
A letter from Mark Todd, the disability representative for the official fan board City Matters, expressed disappointment in the club’s decision to impose an unnecessary parking charge on disabled supporters. He criticized the move as exploiting loyalty and imposing a “Disability Tax” on long-term supporters, many of whom rely on benefits. The DSA chair, Howard Cohen, stated that 96% of the membership are angry about the charges imposed after season tickets had already been paid for. The statement described the decision as a betrayal of loyal supporters and a sign of corporate greed, going against the club’s previous support for disabled fans and the wider community.
The backlash from disabled fans highlights the impact of such decisions on loyal supporters who make significant sacrifices to attend matches. The club’s move to align with other Premier League clubs charging for disabled parking has raised concerns about the treatment of disabled fans and the precedent set by the decision. Despite being considered a leading club for disabled facilities and support, Manchester City’s recent actions have disappointed many supporters and raised questions about the club’s priorities.