Bristol Rovers recently found themselves in hot water after a letter sent to supporters referred to ‘disabled fans and normal fans’. Understandably, this sparked outrage and calls for the club to apologize and improve their language. The incident was an embarrassing own goal for the League One club.
The controversial letter was a private email sent to the supporters’ club, explaining the details of a new electronic season ticket system for the upcoming season. It stated that disabled fans who preferred physical season ticket cards could have them for free, while “normal fans” would have to pay an extra £15. The use of the term “normal fans” to describe non-disabled supporters caused immediate backlash.
Although the original post sharing the letter has been deleted, Bristol Rovers continued to face criticism on social media. The club finally issued an official statement apologizing for any offense caused by the error in wording. They clarified that there was no harmful intention behind the choice of words and that it was included in a private email exchange with the supporters’ club.
In their statement, Bristol Rovers emphasized their commitment to providing the best experience for all supporters, particularly their work with the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association to ensure accessibility and inclusivity at matches. They also mentioned receiving commendation from the EFL for achieving Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice. The club expressed their dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
This incident comes at the end of a challenging season for Bristol Rovers, who finished 15th in League One, comfortably avoiding relegation. The club had a change in management when Joey Barton was sacked in October due to a poor start to the campaign. However, they found success under the leadership of Matt Taylor, who took over in December and still has three years remaining on his contract.
It is crucial for football clubs to be mindful of their language and avoid using terms that may alienate or offend certain groups of supporters. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive communication and highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness within football organizations. By taking responsibility for their mistake and apologizing sincerely, Bristol Rovers can hopefully learn from this experience and foster a more inclusive environment for all fans.