Aston Villa Stadium Villa Park
Aston Villa’s Europa League round of 16 match against Lille was marred by disturbing scenes as some disabled fans, including wheelchair users, faced significant challenges accessing the Stade Pierre Mauroy. The match, which saw Ollie Watkins score the decisive goal, was overshadowed by the chaos in the concourse area, leaving many fans frustrated and anxious.
Jude Aston said: “We went into the ground and tried to get upstairs to our section to watch the game, but there was only one person allowed to go in the lift at any one time. I didn’t see our staff member for a while and the Lille staff said we had to wait until the Villa staff came back down. The Villa staff were having real trouble getting to us, just like last time we went to Lille.”
Jude Aston continued: “Eventually, when it was my turn to go in the lift, someone had fallen over, so they saw to them and got medical attention for them. They then came back down and got me in the lift, but I was hearing shouting and screaming. The lift doors opened, and there were police around someone, wrestling them to the ground and shouting stuff. It was very scary and, as a wheelchair user, you feel like you can’t move much. The Villa staff protected me from that.”
Jude Aston added: “As I went around the corner, fights were breaking out and there were riot shields surrounding me and protecting me, which I was grateful for. You could feel tear gas as well. There was blood on the concourse. I was literally going in circles in my wheelchair trying to dodge people.”
The incident highlights ongoing accessibility challenges faced by disabled fans at football venues. Despite the unsettling experience, Jude Aston expressed determination to continue attending matches and advocating for better conditions for disabled fans. The timing of the incident coincides with Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign, which aims to promote inclusion and accessibility in sports venues.
The chaotic scenes, captured on social media, showed French police attempting to close a metal gate, preventing fans from entering the stadium. The heavy-handed approach led to frightening moments, especially for wheelchair users caught in the turmoil. Aston Villa’s disabled supporters association is actively engaging with Level Playing Field to address these issues and improve conditions for all fans.
As the campaign runs from February 28 to March 15, it serves as a crucial reminder of the need for enhanced accessibility measures at sports events globally. Despite the challenges faced, Aston Villa fans remain committed to supporting their team while advocating for necessary changes in stadium accessibility.
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