EFL respond to our request for info on stand sanctions

The English Football League have responded to our request for information regarding potential sanctions against the Gas after the clubs initial announcement that no disabled spaces would be available for the match against Barnsley.

The EFL stated that Rovers have obligations under the Equality Act but didn't specifically comment on any sanctions. Had Rovers not struck a deal with Level Playing Field they would have almost certainly faced investigation on multiple fronts. Thankfully Rovers have averted this disaster.

The EFL response can be read in full below.

But first let's catch you up.

As you will know Rovers have been attempting to redevelop part of the Memorial Stadium. Specifically the South and South East areas. The idea was to have a brand new stand in place for the start of this season.

Rovers submitted a planning application to Bristol City Council on 11th April 2023 and then proceeded to remove the temporary stand and lay the groundwork for building of the new structure to commence immediately on approval of the application. However things haven't quite gone to plan for the Rovers hierarchy. The season has begun, the first home game is just a day away, and as of first publication the planning application is still open for comments on the council website. Fans who had purchased season tickets for the new stand have been relocated to elsewhere in the stadium.

Local Residents have raised several objections to the Rovers application with some reasonable, and some outlandish concerns. Naturally Gasheads have flooded the portal with their supporting statements.

Barnsley have been told they will have reduced ticket allocation for the match and at first were told that there would be no facilites for disabled fans.

However, not long after that announcement Rovers would announce a partnership with Level Playing Field to provide suitable facilities. You can read LPF's rather spiky statement here.

Before that announcement was made Gas Burner reached out to the EFL to understand what EFL consequences could come of the reduced capacity and lack of provision for disabled supporters.

The EFL said,

"As you will be aware, construction work at Bristol Rovers Football Club has resulted in a stadium capacity reduction, and this has impacted on the accommodation available to away supporters. Once it became clear that the stadium development was going to impact on capacity, the Club has engaged both Barnsley and the EFL in discussions regarding the fixture.

Following this, and having engaged further with Level Playing Field, the Club has now advised that they will endeavour to offer a limited number of accessible options for Barnsley supporters. They have advised that any disabled Barnsley fans who are interested in attending should contact Barnsley’s ticket office to seek further information.

The EFL remains in contact with Bristol Rovers regarding their ongoing stadium plans."

We've also learned from Bristol Live this morning that David Bright is set to leave his role at Rovers as Head of Sales. David has reportedly been overseeing all the goings-on in relation to the south stand as well as having responsibility for all things in his department. We've seen delays across several areas this summer.

Meanwhile, here's some photo's posted by our President Wael Al Qadi of him and our new Co-Owner on route to the Ipswich cup; alongwith his "catch up with DC".

And here's to 3 points against Barnsley 🍻 UTG