‘I felt part of the singing, part of the stadium’
NEWCASTLE United brought in new haptic shirts to allow deaf fans in attendance the chance to feel the noise of St James’ Park. For the first time ever in football, this technology was used during United’s 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Working with shirt sponsor
Sela, United were able to transform the noise in the stadium into real-time touch sensation for fans and match-day mascots who have hearing loss.
Sela has also committed to providing the technology at all future Newcastle United home games as a demonstration of their commitment to improving accessibility to football.
Deaf fans David Wilson and Ryan Gregson were among those to experience the haptic shirts for the first time.
David said: “What a game, what a day, what a shirt, I felt part of the singing, part of the stadium. The vibrations just continued through the full game.
“We felt involved in all the goals and all the singing, so I just want to say thank you.”
Ryan also said: “That’s the best top ever. We felt the music, the singing, everything was included all in the top; it was brilliant.
“At 4-0, vibrations were amazing. I’m so happy, I would like to wear it every game.”
Newcastle United players also wore a one-off match-day shirt, emblazoned with the logo of RNID, the national charity supporting the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss.
This marks another historic occasion – it is the first time a hearing loss charity has been promoted on the front of a Premier League shirt.
Supporting Sela’s initiative, a recent survey conducted by RNID of its members who are deaf or have hearing loss found that 71% of those surveyed believe new technology could improve the match-day experience and make it more accessible. Sela hopes that its actions will inspire football clubs across the Premier
League to improve accessibility.
Peter Silverstone, United’s chief commercial officer, said:
“Today marks a huge day for inclusion in football.
Through the haptic shirts, Sela has granted deaf fans and those with hearing