Had a bit of a shite experience getting out of the ground yesterday night.
Wor lass and I have been going for years, but over recent years she has needed to use the lift, as she has a hidden disability and the stairs make it very difficult for her, especially with the crowds. She has an accessibility pass and a sunflower lanyard, never really had too much of an issue in the past, staff normally decent and helpful.
We get tickets through ballot (0/6 this season) or member sale, ended up in the Gallowgate which is preferred actually as more leg room than Leazes.
Anyway, after the match we waited for the lift for her in the Gallowgate, naturally it's very busy, it's the slowest lift in the world, and wheelchair users are using the lift as expected so may have to wait a while till there is space for us.
Some jobsworth was kicking off trying to force himself and someone else into the lift, had pushed/moved some poor fellas wheelchair, naturally he kicks off with him, and low and behold 5 mins of arguing entails, staff have to come and get involved. Guy didn't even apologise despite obviously being in the wrong, he was determined people in the lift could have moved to let them in, bearing in mind there are two people in wheelchairs in the lift with people assisting them, amongst other fans.
The irony is, in the time he spent arguing that he "hadn't touched his chair" the lift could have gone down and came back up. If you are said person reading this on here, just have some patience and don't touch people's wheelchairs please. We all are trying to get out the ground, and also understand not all disabilities are visible. The whole thing should have just been "I'm sorry" and move on.
Anyway after 3 or 4 lifts full go by, wor lass is finally able to squeeze into the lift, and manage to get a fella who waiting on 2 sticks in as well. I tell her I'll meet her down at the lift exit, as I don't need it at all, rather someone who does need it could get in, off she goes.
I turn round to go down the stairs and the staff tell me I can't go down either access, as the doors have now been locked and I have to take the lift...
Make it make sense? I am totally fine using the stairs, was only making sure wor lass is alright, and now I have to wait for the lift and more importantly and annoyingly, take up a space that someone who needs the lift could take.
The people waiting were kind enough to let me go first so I could get to her ASAP. If you are on here, thank you.
Just seems such a stupid idea to lock the doors when people are still leaving the ground.
