Approximately 1 in 7 people in the UK can be classed as neurodivergent which affects how their brain functions, learns and processes information. 

Scottish football has a weekly average support of 117,700 fans attending matches across a weekend. This means that based on the numbers, roughly 16,700 neurodivergent fans attend games across Scotland on an average weekend.

The reality however, is very different. Scottish football has always been passionately supported but for fans with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, the noise, crowds and unpredictability of football mean attending matches is not viable. 

Only 4 clubs in Scotland currently offer sensory rooms to allow fans with such conditions to attend matches and support their team live, in an environment that takes their condition into account. 

Our national stadium, Hampden Park which is a UEFA 5 Star stadium, offers nothing for fans with sensory difficulties to help them watch Scotland play. 

There would rightfully be outrage if individuals with visible disabilities were prevented from supporting their team or their country. However, those with invisible disabilities have very little support in place to help them do the same. 

I am calling on the SFA, SPFL and all member clubs to take steps to support their own fans in allowing them to see games live and in person by introducing sensory rooms or viewing areas in stadiums.

Please sign below to show your support for this endeavour and hopefully those in a position to advocate for change and implement it will take steps to make Scottish Football more accessible and inclusive.