Last month, Level Playing Field hosted the Southern Forum event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On 13 November, Cliff Auger and Diane Akers from the CST attended the event alongside the Chelsea FC SLO, Cat Smith.

This was an inspiring and innovative forum, offering new ideas, how other clubs practice, and their aims of inclusion for disabled supporters.

Representatives heard from other disabled supporters about their positive and negative matchday experiences.

We learnt what common barriers supporters have and how these could be improved. A group discussion took place about how language impacts disabled supporters and how the various clubs tackle disability discrimination.  Sadly, in most supporters experience, this kind of discrimination is overlooked and not seen to be taken seriously. 

We had the opportunity to meet and communicate with other DSAs, clubs, and supporters. It was a thoroughly informative event and really useful to speak with others about their vision and plan for the future.

There were guest speakers from RNIB and former player and Tottenham ambassador, Gary Mabbutt MBE who spoke of his experiences. 

Tottenham Hotspur spoke of their cohesive relationship with SpursAbility (Tottenham’s DSA) and how they are striving for the same goals. If you have attended their new stadium, you will know it sets the precedent for accessibility and is classed as the best stadium worldwide in regards to accessibility.

The forum was filled with important discussions, and we would like to thank Level Playing Field for giving us the opportunity to attend. 

At Stamford Bridge, we have a dedicated system to report any incidents; 

During the match text 88777 or 07894 93 77 93, with the stand, row, seat number, description of the offender and incident. 

After the match call 0207 386 3355 or email [email protected], or use the online forms to report it.