EFL club forced to apologise after sending letter to supporters about ‘disabled fans and normal fans’

BRISTOL ROVERS have apologised for an almighty own goal after the club sent a letter to supporters that referred to ‘disabled fans and normal fans’.

The League One club hit the headlines over the Bank Holiday weekend as they faced a huge backlash and calls to “do better” and to say sorry.

Rovers have now issued a statement on the controversial matter and apologised “for any offence caused” for the “error in wording”.

The embarrassing gaffe was made in a private email from the Pirates to their supporters’ club that was clarifying details of the new electronic season ticket system coming in next season.

The club said in it that disabled fans who still preferred a physical season ticket card instead of one on their mobile phones could have one for free.

However, it then added that “normal fans” will have to pay an extra £15.

The letter was quickly shared on X as anger erupted over the use of the word “normal” to describe those non-disabled supporters.

The club have continued to receive flak on social media ever since, even though the original post showing the letter has now been deleted.

And eventually that has led to them addressing the matter today with an official statement.

It read: “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to apologise for any offence caused by an error in wording in a recent communication regarding disabled supporters.

“No harmful intention of meaning was ever intended in the wording, which was included in a private email exchange between the Club and a representative from the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.

“The Club is proud of our ongoing commitment to provide the best experience for all supporters of Bristol Rovers FC, in particular our work with the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association to ensure fans with accessibility or additional needs are able to enjoy each and every match at The Memorial Stadium.

“In addition, the Club were recently commended by the EFL by achieving Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.

“Bristol Rovers Football Club is committed to making sure our Club is a safe, welcome and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Rovers finished the season 15th in League One, 13 points clear of the drop zone.

Joey Barton was sacked by the club in October after a poor start to the campaign.

He had been in charge of Rovers since February 2021 and led them to promotion from League Two the following year.

Matt Taylor took over the job in December and still has three years remaining on his contract.