New perspective for Motherwell chairman watching from disabled shelter

Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan got a fresh perspective when he swapped the directors’ box for the disabled supporters’ shelter – but was amazed to witness the fan next to him literally see a game for the first time.

Macmillan attended Saturday’s Premiership encounter with Livingston at Fir Park with members of the club’s disabled supporters’ association as part of a range of events to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Another guest, accessibility champion Jon Attenborough, attended the game with guide dog Harry, and the visually-impaired supporter had a life-transforming experience after being loaned an augmented reality headset.

Writing on X, Attenborough said: “An absolutely unbelievable and emotional experience being able to physically see a football match and all the action on the pitch live for the first time ever.”

Macmillan told the Press Association: “It was brilliant. Everyone was so welcoming and for me to see what the DSA members experience was really important. We picked up a couple of things we can improve, some small wins.

“But just in general the opportunity to meet people and be part of things was brilliant.

“To have Jon there with the headset on was incredible. To see that moment when he was having that experience was pretty special.

“I never really knew that much about the technology beforehand but sitting next to him when he was saying it was the first time he had ever seen a kick-off, first time he could see an advertising board, it was incredible. It’s just things you take for granted.”

Motherwell and Livingston players and the match officials lined up in front of the disabled shelter rather than the centre stand pre-match, along with disabled mascots of both clubs, and the home players made a beeline for the shelter after their 3-0 win.

Macmillan said: “You see the impact of football and see how much the club means to people. It was really special.

“For a lot of people there going to the football is such an important part of their week. Even just seeing the excitement when Motherwell scored was great. For a lot of people it means everything and it’s so important for us to be reminded of that. It’s all about fans.

“It’s so important for us as a club to be inclusive. As a club we’re open to all, we keep religion and politics out of it, and we have to be accessible for people with all abilities.

“We want to make sure that people with mental or physical disabilities, or anyone who is struggling a bit with their health, that everyone can feel part of the club and has a safe space to come to.

“To see the mascots on the pitch was such a highlight for some people there.”

Motherwell DSA chair Heather Richardson helped organise the day in conjunction with the club and the Well Society, the fan-ownership vehicle.

“Last year we got two junior members as mascots but this year we had adults who are profoundly disabled and non-verbal,” she said.

“When they were young, the opportunity for them to be mascots wasn’t there, so it meant a lot to them to finally get the chance. It was really rewarding to finally be able to give them that experience.”