Barriers to inclusion for disabled football fans: Implications for inclusive managerial practices in English football

1. Aim and Research Questions

Attention on the accessibility of sporting venues in sport management research has been focused almost exclusively on managerial views (Paramio-Salcines & Kitchin, 2013; Kitchin et al, 2022; Penfold and Kitchin, 2020), with few exceptions that consider the perspectives of disabled fans (Garcia et al., 2017; Southby, 2013). As such an important voice is missing in the academic analysis and the management practice of accessibility. In this paper we ask two questions; what barriers do disabled football supporters encounter leading up to, during and after their matchday experience and what can managers do about it?

2. Theoretical Background and Literature Review

The study was informed by the social-relational model of disability (Thomas, 2007; 2010) which provides a ‘third way’ between the medical and social models of disability. This relational focus acknowledges the external barriers that disabled people face whilst considering the lived, embodied reality of living with impairment. Guiding our approach to examining the lived experiences of disabled football fans were key social-relational concepts, such as structural disablism, psycho-emotional disablism, impairment effects and internalised oppression. Also incorporated into this framework is ableism (Campbell, 2009), which we posit is essential for management studies as it emphasises the actions of nondisabled people and the primacy of ‘normalcy’. Both ableism and social-relational model concepts underpin the oppression of disabled people in contemporary society (Brighton et al., 2023).

3. Research Design, Methodology and Data Analysis

A netnographic research design involving 33 online semi-structured interviews with match-going disabled fans of lower league English football clubs and observations from online fan message boards, was employed to investigate these fans’ experiences of inclusion and explore the barriers they encounter leading up to, during and following their matchday experience. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis informed the data analysis for addressing disabled fans’ experience and a secondary managerial reading of the data was employed to identify fan-informed recommendations on improving their experiences.

4. Findings and Discussion

The experiences of disabled fans in English football fandom reveal that significant improvements have occurred since the turn of the 21st century but barriers remain. Better physical access to stadiums has enhanced social inclusion, facilitating interaction and providing better views of the game. Disabled supporters talk about clubs with superior accessibility, which then influences their loyalty. Accessible stadium experiences empower fans to exercise choice, enhancing their sense of inclusion and connection with their chosen club. Live football attendance offers vital social interaction opportunities, fostering community and belonging for disabled people.

However, attending away matches poses significant challenges due to accessibility concerns enhanced by inadequate facilities and negative staff attitudes. Obtaining tickets and accessible parking spaces present hurdles, while limited accessible transport options hinder independence. Within the venue, ableist segregated seating areas and inadequate provision for away supporters create feelings of exclusion and discrimination. Disabled fans often encounter discriminatory practices from both stadium staff and fellow supporters, impacting their psycho-emotional wellbeing and facilitating these oppressive acts being internalised. Continued efforts are thus needed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in football stadiums.

5. Conclusion, Contribution, and Implications

Stadium managers and customer experience staff can enhance the matchday experience for disabled fans by prioritizing accessibility, empowering choice, and fostering social interaction. This includes ensuring good physical access, which include tiered seating with good sight lines, and promoting inclusive environments.

Addressing barriers to planning and participation, such as improving ticket booking processes and providing accessible transportation, is crucial to creating an inclusive environment that could also encourage new attendees. All managers who are concerned with inclusion need to ensure that facility quality is improved, including accessible seating areas for a diverse range of disabled fans and their families.

Staff awareness and operational training are fundamental not only to support and communicate effectively with disabled fans but to enable staff and managers to reflect on the attitudes that produce and reproduce disablism. Discrimination and exclusion must be combated through proactive measures and strict protocols. Embracing inclusive practices and collaborating with disability advocacy groups can further enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

6. References (maximum 10)

1. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. SAGE.

2. Brighton, J., Howe, P. D., & Powis, B. (2023). Theorising Disability Sport. In J. Brighton, P. D. Howe, & B. Powis (Eds.), Researching Disability Sport Theory, Method, Practice (pp. 13-41). Routledge.

3. Campbell, F. (2009). Contours of Ableism: The Production of Disability and Abledness. Palgrave Macmillan.

4. García, B., de Wolff, M., Welford, J., & Smith, B. (2017). Facilitating Inclusivity and Broadening Understandings of Access at Football Clubs: The Role of Disabled Supporter Associations. European Sport Management Quarterly, 17(2), 226–243.

5. Kitchin, P. J., Paramio-Salcines, J., Darcy, S., & Walters, G. (2022). Exploring the Accessibility of Sport Stadia for People with Disability: Towards the Development of a Stadium Accessibility Scale (SAS). Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, 12(1), 93–116.

6. Paramio-Salcines, J. L., & Kitchin, P. J. (2013). Institutional perspectives on the implementation of disability legislation and services for Spectators with Disabilities in European professional football. Sport Management Review, 16(3), 337-338.