Overseas football gets the red card

By Paul Carter

Proposals by the Premier League to play ten matches abroad have been criticised by a disabled supporters’ group.

Under the plans, an additional “international round” of 10 matches would take place overseas each January – most likely outside Europe – from the 2010/2011 season onwards.

But concern has been voiced by the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) that existing inequality in matchday experiences will be made worse by Premier League games being played in countries without the legislative protection given to disabled people by the Disability Discrimination Act.

NADS said that disabled supporters already face many challenges following their teams away from home, without having to trek round the globe to places that might be inaccessible.

Its chair, Joyce Cook, added: “At a time when we are urging the Premier League to put pressure on their clubs, it is disappointing to learn of their intent to make following football even more difficult.”