West Ham forced to compromise over disability season tickets

Hammers make assurances over price rises

A view of West Ham's Upton Park (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham United have been forced to compromise with supporters after initial plans to significantly increase the prices of season tickets for disabled fans was met with widespread concern.

The Hammers notified fans in March of the initial proposal to increase the cost of disability season tickets, currently priced at £209, to match the prices paid by other supporters grouped within the club's 'band four' category. Season ticket holders within that category currently pay £600.

However the club now appears to have reacted to considerable feedback from their own supporters, and have compromised by scrapping their original plans and creating a new 'band five' season ticket at the Boleyn Ground for the 2013/14 campaign. While this will still see the cost of disability season tickets rise for next season, vice-chairman Karen Brady has provided assurances that such an increase will not top the 50 per cent mark.

Speaking of the proposed changes to disability season ticket prices, a West Ham spokesman told the Daily Mail: "Ticket prices for disabled fans at West Ham United have not increased for 21 years (other than inflation). Prices for the 2013/14 season are being considered and reviewed in line with FA, Premier League and Level Playing Field rules.

"Following the review, a new Band 5 category will be created for disabled fans, meaning their season tickets and match day tickets will still be the cheapest available at the Boleyn Ground and will remain very competitive with other London Premier League clubs."