Bristol Rovers apologize to ‘disabled’ fans and ‘normal’ fans

Bristol Rovers have apologized to fans after a letter it sent to the supporters club about season tickets referred to “disabled fans and normal fans”.

The letter prompted some backlash on social media from disabled and non-disabled fans alike over the bank holiday weekend, with calls for the club to apologize and “do better”.

Now, 24 hours after Bristol Live reported the backlash, Rovers have issued a public statement saying they “would like to apologize for any offense caused”, saying it was a “drafting error”.

Read more: Apologies after Bristol Rovers refer to ‘disabled’ fans and ‘normal’ fans.

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The reference came in a private email from the club to Rovers’ supporters club, which clarified details of next season’s move to an electronic ticketing system. The club told the supporters’ club that disabled fans who would prefer to still have a physical season ticket instead of one stored on their phone will get them for free, but “normal fans” will have to pay an extra £15.

The letter was shared by the fan club on X/Twitter and the use of the word “normal” to describe non-disabled people upset and angered many fans, who took to X/Twitter to express their displeasure, before from the original post. by the supporters club was taken down late Tuesday afternoon.

Now, in a statement from Bristol Rovers, the club said: “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to apologize for any offense caused by a drafting error in a recent communication regarding disabled supporters. , which was included in a private email exchange between the Club and a representative of the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.

“The Club is proud of our ongoing commitment to providing the best experience for all Bristol Rovers FC supporters, particularly our work with the Club’s Disability Supporters Association to ensure fans with accessibility or additional needs can enjoy every match at The. Memorial Stadium In addition, the club was recently commended by the EFL by achieving Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.

“Bristol Rovers Football Club is committed to ensuring that our club is a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone,” the statement added.