Discriminatory practice against supporter in wheelchair

ASOCIAȚIA FOTBAL CLUB ”RIPENSIA TIMIȘOARA, considering the values ​​it constantly promotes, registered in its articles of incorporation, makes the following clarifications regarding the incident that took place on November 13, 2019 on the“ Electrica ”stadium, at the football match between Ripensia Timișoara and ASU Politehnica Timișoara, from League 2, our association being the organizer of this sporting event:

This game was also attended by Mr. Socodol Claudiu-Florin, a person with locomotor disability, totally dependent and immobilized in a wheelchair, accompanied by his father, both being supporters of ASU Politehnica Timișoara, whom I allowed to see the game from the proximity of the playing surface as the stadium does not have, unfortunately, the necessary facilities for spectators with disabilities.

In the tense context of the rivalry between the fans of the two teams, the referees told the delegate of our team, before the start of the second half, that the parking of the two people near the playing field can no longer be allowed and forced them to leave the premises. the field, from the point of view of the competition regulations, the organizing club being obliged to comply.

We mention that the decision was taken amid vehement public protests from the stands of the stadium and that the evacuation of Mr. Socodol Claudiu-Florin, a person with disabilities, totally dependent on the wheelchair and his companion inside the field had to be done in conditions that do not affect morally and not induce a sense of discrimination.

Mr. Socodol Claudiu-Florin, on that occasion, accused the behavior and language of the agents of the security company who executed the order of the referees, considering that they discriminated against him because of his disability.

We deeply regret this incident (even if it was not generated by our employees) and we apologize to Mr. Socodol Claudiu-Florin, assuring him that there was no intention to discriminate against him because of his disability.

On the contrary, we wanted to ensure the best possible conditions for watching the match, respecting his rights, trying to overcome the fact that the “Electrica” ​​stadium, like the entire football infrastructure of Timisoara, does not provide the special facilities they are entitled to. enjoy people with disabilities.

We consider Mr. Socodol Claudiu-Florin a special permanent guest and we look forward to the Ripensia games, regardless of the team he supports, appreciating that such an attitude is in the spirit of fair play that must dominate sports disputes.