SAINTS have been criticised for their decision to start charging visually impaired supporters for tickets.

The club have confirmed that they will no longer be allowing free entry to fans with serious sight problems.

Instead, Saints will charge them the lowest possible price in each age category, which they say brings them in line with the policy of most other Premier League clubs. They will continue to allow free access to visually impaired supporters’ enablers.

John Cunningham, a voluntary worker with the charity Open Sight, believes there should be a rethink.

“The lowest price in each category doesn’t really count as a concession,” he said.

“That’s moving the community club we know and love into an arena that’s becoming less and less community minded, to the detriment of people who have supported it for years, and that includes visually impaired people.

“I think it’s very detrimental and it doesn’t look good on the club.

“I’m not saying they should necessarily give free tickets, although it would be a nice gesture from clubs in the Big Society age.”