Just not the right type of publicity http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4351445/200-on-a-ticket-for-a-disabled-fan-Go-to-Hull.html
The rag has the same story: http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-16258378-detail/story.html?
Managed to resist commenting on articles since joining not606 but it's silly season at the moment on here so I may as well stick my 2 pence in. Why should they make a u turn? As a couple of people have said before, it's not a price hike, it's the withdrawal of the concession ticket. Whether it's possible for disabled people to earn as much as able bodies people - I question that - is irrelevant anyway. Without getting into a discrimination argument, people can't demand equality and then complain when equality prevails. You may as well argue that the club should charge unemployed people less because they haven got a job.
Interesting that Mr Rathbone says "Having a sense of inclusion and normality is an important part of coming to terms with my situation as it progresses" but this does not apparantly include paying the same price as the rest of us. The problem here is that once you offer a concession you are tying yourself to it for ever. I suppose it is fair that the disabled have the parking closest to the entrance of a supermarket, but should they get the food in there for half price? It is after all the rest of us who are effectively subsidising this.
Equality doesn't mean treating everyone the same - hence wheelchair access to buildings etc - not much use saying to someone who has to use one, 'here are the steps use them like everyone else' - is there? Some disabled people can go out and earn the same as other people - the majority realistically can't and concessionary fares, tickets and so on have recognised this. Thought when they announced it, that it was a PR own goal for little savings - sad to be proved right.
The diability lobby is a powerful one. I cant see us coming out of it well, even though i agree with the stance. I'm sure Mr Rathbone would have no problem telling us how much money he is on, seeing as he doesnt mind getting his picture taken saying he cant afford it. There have been loads of times i couldnt afford it. There are loads of kids on the estates who cant afford it either.
I agree - whether it's a matter of equality or discrimination; whether it's a ticket price increase or the ending of a concession - the bald fact, together with the timing, make for a PR disaster.
So do disabled people get reduced air line tickets, tickets to Theme parks etc? No. I'm deaf but im not expecting a reduced ticket, nor have I allowed it to impact on my ability to work. Interesting to note the 'it's bad pr' angle. So what about the kids for a £1. Unbelievable deal. Also, passes have been frozen for years and have only gone up a fraction now. Some people can't help but complain
Dont see it. The only reason it is an issue is because it was so cheap before. It shouldve been the same price all along and any PR disaster has been caused by the previous unequal pricing policy. Ive no idea about our season ticket pricing structure elsewhere - do we offer unemployed discount? Student discount? Women discount?
I agree completely with what you are saying. The disabled are forever campaigning for equality. The disabled get many perks. My Mum is on higher rate disability so I know what they receive and tbh she has never been so well off. The fact it has made the national newspapers is why I think the Club may do a U turn. We all know Mr Allam loves a bit of publicity, just not this sort.
The club needs to generate the revenue of a top 6 club in the league. Just catching up with all the other clubs. Was interesting that when this was brought up on Blunderside it was quietened by the fans from Grimsby and Scunny, plus the Rugby fans, whose clubs also don't give this discount. They were phoning in saying it was grossly unfair that City fans had been getting this discount over the years.
Under the equality act of 2010 it's no longer permissible to enquire about disability on a job application for so in theory it should be no different for a season pass application. It's picking and choosing when equality matters, just as with the sexism argument, these birds want top jobs but when it comes to a heavy box, 'kin useless! COYH
My grandad will be turning in his grave over this. I honestly don't see the problem with him paying full price. To be honest I would rather see reduced prices for our firefighters and soldiers.
Firefighters!!! FFS They blokes who do sod all most of their shift, then go to their part time job on their days off. I would like to see help for young kids through their Sunday league sides and have the empty North Stand filled every game.
reading the general public's comments on the Sun's article, it doesn't appear to be that bad a PR disaster as it could be.
No mention of the fact that his companion/care gets a free ticket. He's effectively getting two tickets for £220 each. Not much sympathy for him on reading the comments below the sun article.
It does seem like bad publicity but if you read the comments he isn't getting much sympathy. I am OK with disabled people paying the same as everyone else, like others have said there are plenty of other people who find it difficult to afford to go to a match.
