Equality for footie fans with disabilities?

Well, I guess the answer to that is not always! I was really surprised when visiting the Madejski Stadium in Reading recently to watch the match with Manchester United, that the Reading fans who are wheelchair users get not only a wheelchair space but that their companion may sit on a seat beside them. No such luxury accorded to visiting fans, I had a place in the wheelchair enclosure, but my companion had to take a seat on the terraces below! Nice one Reading ... NOT!

This sort of provision is not really acceptable in that it endangers some people with disabilities, should their health take a sudden turn, or should they need assistance with feeding or adjusting their position and so on. It was impossible for the companions to get out of the terrace easily to get back to the wheelchair enclosure.

Before the game started there was a quite ironic announcement over the tannoy to please inform a steward of you felt discriminated against whilst at the stadium ...

Other than this blatant second class treatment for visiting supporters, our experience of using public trabnsport to and from the game was second to none, very impressive rail and accible bus services to get us to and from the ground, so thumbs up for that.

Overall and enjoyable day, delightful to see R&R (Rooney & Ronaldo) in great form and both making the scoresheet. Reading 0 - Manchester United 2.

Manchester United & Reading limbering up before the match.