Hi guys,

Today we will start looking at the difference for a disabled fan at Burnley Fc compared to Manchester United, I hope you enjoy blog if you do I might do more with other clubs.

Ticketing

At both united & Burnley you can get season tickets which include a free personal assistant ticket too and that’s where the similarities end!

At Manchester United you need to be a member to apply for home games and from there we have a ballot which then leads to an either successful or unsuccessful email! All applications can be made over the internet of telephone.

However joe says that at Burnley if you wish to go to a one off game you can just go down to the ticket office and purchase a home game!

We then look at away games! Manchester United have a core away disabled following however we still have to apply online or over  the phone for each individual game, then find out if we are successful or not about 3 weeks In advance.

However at Burnley, it’s a little different. Firstly they have a points system for all supporters which you can build up in a numbers of aways this then gives you priority for away games. Which means the most hard core disabled Burnley fans don’t miss out of tickets, however they do have to physically go down to the club to purchase the tickets.

All away games in the premier league offer a free PA ticket regardless of the club.
Facilities

Let’s now look at united & burnley’s facilities for disabled fans. Before getting into it I must make it clear that Burnley was given an extension to the pledge that was made by all premier league clubs this was due to them being newly promoted. Where by Man Utd set out a staged introduction to allow for the moving of thousand of fans to accommodate new disabled seating, however they did do some changes straight away.

Manchester United put in a changes places toilet quickly after the pledge and it was ready for the new season, which is a great addition for our disabled fans, we also have a large amount of toilets for disabled fans.

Burnley currently don’t have a changes places toilet but it is being installed with current works on going.

Manchester United currently have wheelchair seating in the east stand and south stand. However we also have family seating in two of the quads which enabled wheelchair users to sit with both there pa & additional family or friends, this is great for families or people who want to sit with their mates. New seating is planned in tier 1 of the quad in the south west quad. We also have new seating in tier 2 Stretford End, which for me personally is exciting as I’ll be able to sit with the lads that I only get to see at away games!

Burnley are currently in the process of finishing a new 3 tier stand which is really exciting as it will hold a changing places toilet and new disabled seating, this is a big investment for Burnley and one that will certainly elevate the facilities for the disabled fans. Joe tells me he wants to move into the new stand. The new spaces at Burnley are set to improve the match day experience considerably for Burnley fans.

Q & A

  1. What did you think of the Manchester United facilities joe?

Joe says the facilities were good and he had the perfect view! He also says that refreshments were readily available to them in the ability suit. Joe enjoyed visiting old Trafford apart from the result!

  1. Favourite premier league ground?

Newcastle!

  1. Did you enjoy your European game?

Joe enjoyed his visit to Aberdeen and says there were very hospitable to the Burnley fans and a great time was had by all.

  1. Best European ground?

Aberdeen, Pittodrie stadium

5. Best ground you’ve visited for access?

West Ham united – the London Stadium

Joe asks me some questions to:

1. What’s life like as a Manchester United fan over the ups & downs over the passed 3 years?
The past three years have been really tough, but it’s been a great adventure and I’ve made so many memories & friends along the way! I think it’s brought the real hard core fans out with the mentality of we are in it together good or bad, let’s hope ole brings back the good times!

2. Favourite premier league away ?
This is a tough one! I think I’d have to go Fulham it’s a great away day!

3. Favourite European away?

Oh that’s a tough one! I think It has to be PSG only because I was with both my disabled & able bodied mates so it was fab to experience the high of that match with all my mates.

European games are tough though and I have to thank my mate Andy for all his help or I couldn’t do them, I can’t wait for Barcelona in a few weeks!

4. Best ground you’ve been to for access?

Swansea hands down!

Thanks for your input today joe, if you’d like to follow joe’s blog you can here:

https://joeskinner111.blogspot.com

I do hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and I hope to bring similar blogs with other disabled fans in the future.

Vicky xx