A very similar experience happened to my self and my 2 sons at West Brom a few seasons ago.
As it was a special occasion I had paid for hospitality, meal, drinks, seats on half way line opposite the players entrance etc.
My youngest son, who is registered disabled (ambulent) would be about 24 at the time and needed to wear soft shoes/trainers.
We attended the game, all smartly dressed, with my youngest wearing a pair of very innocuous trainers to facilitate his disability.
As we entered the stadium into a very plush reception area and whilst our credentials were being verified etc, we were approached by a very agitated member of security staff who, pointing to my sons trainers, declared in a very loud voice, you can't come in here with those on!, much to the amusement of all around.
In an effort to not embarrass my son I asked if I could speak to the guy in a less public place so that I could explain about his disability and the fact we had driven from Manchester and couldn't 'nip home to change' as he had insisted.
The guy was having none of it and told us we would not be allowed in unless my son changed his footwear.
We left the stadium in an effort to seek out somewhere that sold any other form of footwear other than trainers. The only place we could find locally was a cheap supermarket ( Aldi or Lidl or similar, can't recall) All they had were a pair of huge hiking boots with hook over lace ups that went half way up his shins.
So, boots bought, and my son now looking ridiculous, we were finally allowed in.
Once inside and enjoying the meal my son spotted a young teenage lad in a wheel chair wearing almost identical trainers to the ones he had been forced to take off.
I was up on my feet quicker than a rag going home when the score is 1-6 and seeking out the tool who had challenged us earlier. Once I found him I discretely pointed out the young lad wearing trainers, and asked what was the difference between him wearing trainers and my son. His reply absolutely stunned us and made my blood boil - "that lad is in a wheelchair and is obviously more disabled than your son"
Not wishing to cause a scene and embarrass my son any more than he had been already I asked him to repeat his statement in front of another member of West Brom staff (which he did) I took the names of the idiot and the member of staff who witnessed it and told them I would take it further once we got home. we ended the day on a high as City won easily, we got to speak to Gary Owen in the hospitality suite and we won the football quiz in the suite after the game.
In the week that followed the game I contacted West Brom and eventually was asked to relay the events to their 'disability discrimination officer' which I did.
Several weeks later we received an official letter from West Brom stating that they had investigated the incident and had concluded it was a "misunderstanding" and no further action would be necessary and they considered the matter closed.
Not even an apology, not been to West Brom since !!!!
The moral of the tale is:
Don't let one neanderthal tit with a badge and a little bit of authority spoil your love of City !!!!!!
