'i will feel vulnerable but the council would say it's my decision'

HAZEL DUDLEY IS DISAPPOINTED NO ACCESSIBLE PARADE POINTS ARE BEING LAID ON FOR LFC'S CELEBRATIONS 06:00, 23 May 2025Updated 06:45, 23 May 2025 A lifelong Liverpool fan who is registered

blind has said the lack of a dedicated accessible space for disabled supporters has left her feeling “vulnerable” ahead of Monday’s parade. On the Bank Holiday afternoon, in front of what

is expected to be around 1m people across the city, Arne Slot’s team will show off the Premier League trophy after a remarkable season. The Reds clinched the title with a 5-1 at home to

Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur last month. It is the club’s 20th league triumph and a first opportunity to celebrate with fans after being denied when they secured a 19th victory

during a covid-hit season in 2020. Among those travelling to the city for Monday’s celebrations is season ticket holder Hazel Dudley. The 76-year-old, who has full sight loss, expressed her

disappointment that disabled fans would not be able to count on a specific area to take in the revelry. Mrs Dudley, from Wimbledon, said: “I was surprised they hadn’t made a place for

disabled people to be. There’ll be around one million people on the streets and I don’t walk very well, I’ll have to find somewhere to sit.” It is the latest LFC celebration that Mrs Dudley

has attended over the years, having made the eight-hour round trip in 2005 when Rafael Benitez’s team triumphed against the odds to win the Champions League. She said on that occasion she

managed to convince a police officer to let her stand close to the road to hear the bus go by. Article continues below She said: “When you win the league you have to be there. Last time, you

wait 30 years to win one and you can’t celebrate with anyone, you couldn’t write it. “I will feel vulnerable but the council would say it’s my decision and if you don’t feel you can cope,

don’t come. It’s not just about me though, it’s about everybody.” Mrs Dudley began following her beloved Liverpool during the reign of Bill Shankly and has supported the club from the Main

Stand for a number of years. She added: “You can’t change your team, can you?” Monday’s parade route is 15km long with fans being advised by Liverpool Council to use the entire length of the

route from Allerton Maze to the city centre. There are no dedicated viewing areas. In its guide to fans, the local authority said: “We are not able to provide specific accessible viewing

areas, but have made it a long route to allow as many people as possible to watch it. We recommend those uncomfortable in large crowds choose a less congested location along the route which

is away from major landmarks, or choose a wider street where there is more space to move around. Article continues below “We also urge fans lining the route to be courteous to families,

older people and those with accessible needs.” The ECHO also approached Liverpool FC for comment.