Photo: The Canadian Press

MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid raised awareness of inclusion with activities for disabled fans during its Champions League match against Lille on Wednesday.

The club and its partners were seeking to host “the most inclusive Champions League match ever” and break the record of 1,740 disabled fans set by Real Betis against Valladolid in the Spanish league last year, according to the UEFA.

Pre-match activities at Metropolitano Stadium included a wheelchair football exhibition.

“It’s a great initiative,” said Ignacio Sánchez Heras, visually impaired and present at the match. “It helps educate other fans about the importance of inclusion.” I hope they do it more often.

The club had not yet provided the number of disabled supporters in attendance. He downplayed the record before the match, saying he mainly hoped to help launch a movement to improve access to sports venues for disabled fans.

The match took place days after a report from advocacy group Level Playing Field noted difficulties for disabled fans at outdoor stadiums across Europe, including complaints about wheelchair users having to sit alongside supporters of the home team.

Atletico attracted disabled fans to Wednesday’s match by selling discounted tickets and working with its supporters groups to spread the message. Fans were required to provide their disability card or present a disability certificate to complete their purchase.

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