SAINTS have told their disabled supporters’ association they will not compromise over the price of tickets for visually impaired fans.

As previously reported in the Echo, the club have taken the decision to no longer offer free entry to supporters who suffer from serious sight problems.

Instead, they will be charged the normal price for disabled fans in their age category. For an adult renewing a season ticket, that means a cost of £495.

In response to this, the association wrote to the club earlier this month, putting forward a number of “compromise proposals”.

However, in a letter back to them, Saints have said they will not be able to change their policy at this stage.

A statement from the Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association said: “The SDSA formally suggested an alternative that, it was hoped, would not be such a massive step change for existing visually impaired fans.

“However, as a result of our representations to the club, the SDSA has been informed that the decision is apparently irrevocable and the club has decided that it will not alter its original stance on the issue as they “... prepare for the new challenges that Premier League football brings.”

“The SDSA are, naturally, very disappointed at both the lack of initial consultation on the issue and with the apparent scant consideration given to its suggested compromise proposals.

“It is the SDSA’s fervent hope that in the future, the club will consult with us much earlier regarding any proposed changes to pricing structures or facilities available for disabled fans from any impairment group.”

The statement ended: “The SDSA will continue to represent disabled Southampton fans and, despite its disappointment, looks forward to continuing to work with Southampton Football Club on this and many other issues in the years to come.”