Disabled protest lack of seats at FIFA World Cup

South African Disability Alliance members burnt tyres at the South African Football Association house on Thursday in protest against the lack of accessibility of 2010 World Cup stadia to people with disabilities.

Disabled demonstrators protest outside the Soccer City Stadium,  background, in Johannesburg, Thursday, March 25, 2010, to protest  the amenities provided for them at host city stadiums during the  FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament that gets under way in June. (AP Photo)

More than 50 deaf, blind and wheelchair-bound protestors descended on the South African Football Association on Thursday to complain at the lack of disabled seats and access at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Chanting slogans and carrying banners that read "the deaf want to be heard" and "no seats for us", SADA voiced their discontent at the way they believe they are being ignored by the organisers of the World Cup.

Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan came out of SAFA House to try way-lay their concerns. However, the protestors feel that the main problem has been the lack of consultation with them by the local organisers. They set light to four wheelchair tyres. SADA executive Ari Seirlis said the the alliance was burning tyres to indicated the pain of the disabled at not being able to attend any of the 2010 World Cup matches.