VISUALLY impaired fans got the chance to go to the Amex as fans returned for Albion games.
Going to a football match can be tricky for visually impaired people, but work has been done to make things better. Brighton and Hove Albion have been praised for making it easier.
With fans not being able to attend matches for most of the last year due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Albion put in work to make the trips to the Amex as easy as possible for people.
Millie Crowhurst, disability liaison officer, said: “We offer carer tickets to disabled supporters who may require one as well as audio descriptive commentary.
“This year has been more difficult with games behind closed doors, we actually set up the commentary on Zoom to help people.”
“It is about communication, not just from supporter to the club but also club to club.”
Brighton and Hove Albion pride themselves on being a club that is accessible to all. The club has a Here to Help team that is present on matchdays. They are masked and use sanitiser so they can help people around safely.
The work has been appreciated by the club's visually impaired fans.
Nick Etheridge said: “I’m thrilled. It is so exciting and I love it.
“Most of the grounds we have been to, they have been brilliant, the people who do the commentary are never saying 'us and them' and always say the team names which helps. It is really good as it keeps it neutral.
“It is completely safe, and the atmosphere is great. In Brighton, they have an area where they allow guide dogs which is great.”
Despite reopening, stadiums are still under social distancing rules which must be obeyed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here