THE coffin was burnt in 1982. A load of us had been out for a farewell drink with a lad called Steve Booth who was emigrating to South Africa. The following night around midnight he and Dave Dewberry carried it up to the top of the scaffolding where they were dismantling the North Stand and ceremonially set it ablaze. Didn’t stop Dave Dewberry,when subsequently asked about later protests, declaring “ The coffin is ready. That is all I am saying...”.
City's response: “Hull City are in the company of two thirds of Championship clubs that do not positively discriminate by offering disabled concessions. This guidance comes from EFL affiliated organisation ‘Level Playing Field’. The Club continues to offer a free carer ticket.”
'To be eligible for the free ‘Carer Ticket’ you must bring relevant proof that you are in receipt of a Carer Component in the Disability Living Allowance for each match attended'.
As DLA is being replaced by PIP that will be a diminishing amount eligible unless they alter it. Only people who can claim as new claimants now on DLA are under 16s.
“Do not positively discriminate...” Makes it sound as they are being magnanimous rather than denying some people.
Hi GF, Just to clarify, the purpose of today's little visit wasn't just actually about the continuing lack of "concessions" for the disabled, albeit that was certainly a part. We wanted to focus on the general malaise at the club and to remind papa about his legacy and the way it continues to be tainted and stained. The BBC, in their report, focused more on the "concessions" issue. As a point of note, the inverted commas are deliberate. Here is the Statement we got to hand in at Allam Marine. Cheers, Dubs. #allamsout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amber Knights Statement Mr Allam, a person’s legacy is important, have you thought about yours? Dear Mr Allam, We hope this statement finds you well. We write to you as dedicated and concerned Hull City A.F.C fans in order to highlight the intolerable state of our club and to remind you that your legacy is continung to be tainted and stained. We will soon be approachng the 9th anniversary of your involvement with our club and this period has seen much on-field success, including promotions to the Premier League, an FA Cup Final and a European campaign. When you commenced your involvement with Hull City, fans sang and chanted your name with appreciation. Fans still chant your name, but only when followed by “OUT”! Have you asked yourself why? Are you happy that your period at the club will forever be remembered for the following: ● Disgusting “die” comments to fans. ● Disgusting refusal to apologise for disgusting “die” comments. ● Evictions of abled and disabled groups from the Airco Arena. ● Disrespecting the history of our club by attempting to force a name change...more than once! ● Alienating OAPs by removing their concessions for 3 years ● Reducing our future fan base by denying kiddies and children concessions for 3 years. ● Continuing to isolate disabled fans from the new so called “concessions”. ● Referencing fans as “irrelevant” and as “hooligans”. ● Refusing to use our proper name. ● Refusing to engage properly and respectfully with the HCST, Tigerlink and other dissenting fans/groups. ● Etc, etc ad nauseum. Mr Allam, you have a fine reputation as a philanthropist. You have given generously to various local causes. For these we thank you. However, this does not excuse the behaviour as outlined above. We respectfully remind you that everybody has a legacy. You could and should have been a hero to Hull City fans. None of us are omnipotent or omniscient. Acknowledge your mistakes. Move on and go. Please don’t let false pride continue to negatively impact both your legacy and our football club. Amber Knights
Much credit for doing something. I guess it will make not a jot of difference unfortunately. And it's a shame that the media focus seems to have been only on the disabled issue (as far as I'm aware).
Thanks. Sorry, I should have been clearer. I was meaning more in terms of what is, or would be, the definition of 'disabled' in the context of the campaign for re-introducing concessions i.e. how would 'disabled' then be defined (how was it previously defined when there were such concessions in place). To be honest, the reason for asking is that I really don't know what I think about this campaign. To have a sensible informed opinion, we surely need to understand what we are actually talking about when we say 'disabled'. For example, I come across people who are classed as 'disabled' who hold down a regular job, get about without too much trouble, and get paid as much as the next person; I don't see why they should be subsidised. But in some other cases, it would absolutely seem morally right & fair to me to give concessionary pricing, and maybe that differentiation is where the current carer concession comes in? I really don't know as I don't understand what the definition would be. Hope that makes sense?
Even when the carer thing is taken into consideration I can remember someone, quite a well known name amongst long time City fans, who got a carers ticket for someone to accompany him. The reason he had a carer was he was an alcoholic. They used to bring him over from Wakefield for every home game until he passed away 3 or 4 years ago. Technically I, like some others, could apply for a disabled concession. Not that I would. Only those in wheelchairs or unable to manage to attend matches unaccompanied should be eligible if the Allams decided to stop not positively discriminate in favour of disabled fans as they put it.
Here's Rotherham's... At Rotherham United we offer a concession price to any supporter who qualifies for high rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or enhanced Personal Independent Payment (PIP). If you qualify for the higher rate DLA or enhanced (PIP) then you would also be entitled to an additional free carer should you require one: KCM Recycling North Stand & Mears Group South Stand (away) Disabled Concession: £13 (£15 on Matchday) Free Helper: £0 Eric Twigg Foods Pukka Pie West Stand & Ben Bennett Family East Stand Disabled Concession: £15 (£17 on Matchday) Free Helper: £0 On this occasion, it's true what the club say, most clubs don't offer disabled concessions, they offer a free carer, the same as us. But considering our ground is currently over half empty and it would cost the club barely anything, it would be an easy win for any owner who actually gave a **** about what the fans think (particularly when you bear in mind the fact that we just voted to reintroduce a pricing model from a season that did include disabled concessions).
Your last point is a very important one I voted to have my ticket price increases so the concessions from a few seasons ago could be introduced They’ve only partly introduced them because there were disabled concessions that season
Didn't they say they were going back to the whole pre-Allam situation hence we had to move from the North stand as well You might say it was an oversight but now they definitely know about it
when the Allams took over, disabled supporter were half price and carers full price - then this got changed to disabled supporters full price and if they were medium or high allowance the carer got in for free - one supporter took the case to the Sun, cant find the article on the internet but I remember it well - he got dogs abuse from Hull City fans as why should disabled fans get in for a discount because they get additional benefit money because they are disabled and should pay full price like everyone else - not our finest hour
Thanks. I need to google later what those definitions (higher rate DLA and enhanced (PIP) mean. Really catchy stand names they have at Rotherham
I don't understand why pricing for the disabled should be a big deal. Have you seen how small the disabled areas are? And there's only a few of them. The money gained or lost is a drop in Ocean compared to the money the Allams have lost by pissing off more than half of their customers. Let the disabled (the one's that can prove it) in for free. It would make virtually no difference whatsoever to the Allam bank balance. Seriously, what's the fuss about?
Disability is not just the areas for wheelchairs - many people qualify for what was the disability living allowance who have many different problems other than being wheelchair bound - the question that some ask is if you are classified as being disabled but don't need a carer should you still be entitled to a concession - but as you say the numbers are minimal