Ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 in Budapest, we spoke with Tamás Jancsó who shared his experiences of attending games in Hungary.

What is your favourite memory of watching your national team?

My greatest experience to date is probably the group match between Hungary and Iceland at the last UEFA EURO 2016 in France, which I saw live in Marseille. I travelled with my friends by car from Hungary to Marseille for the match. We even camped for one night in a tent in Italy on the way there. The march to the stadium before the match with all of the Hungarian fans through the streets of the French city was simply fantastic.

How important is it that you are able to attend live matches?

It's very important. A live sport event is very different to watching on TV. It's not just about the game, it's also a real community experience. When I travel to a match, I am with my friends and we have a beer together before the match. During the match I cheer, I am happy or sad together with thousands of other people in the stadium.

Why is it important that access and inclusion is taken into consideration at stadiums?

Unfortunately, as a wheelchair user there are many things that are still inaccessible, but attending sporting events should no longer be one of these. If the conditions are appropriate for us, we can enjoy the games just as much as non-disabled people can. Football matches are perfect opportunity to get to know new people and have fun together.

How did the suspension of live football due to the Covid-19 pandemic impact on you and your well-being?

It affected me badly. I often go to matches with my friends so it was very hard not being able to go to matches and see my friends for so long.

How do you feel about being able to go back to watching your team live?

It's fantastic to finally be together again! I think being in a community is very important for all people, but especially disabled people. Social interaction is so important.

What impact do you hope UEFA EURO 2020 will have on accessibility in Budapest and Hungary in general?

I think the situation in Hungary has improved a lot in the recent years for the wheelchair users. Public transport is becoming easier to use, and more and more buildings are accessible. People are more aware of disabled people across our country now. Of course, there is still a lot of room for improvements. I think EURO 2020 is a perfect opportunity to be together and share experiences.

What is your favourite memory of watching football at the Puskas Arena?

With the Puskas Arena being brand new, there have only been a few matches but fortunately I have already been able to go to some of these. I think the stadium is great for a wheelchair user. The atmosphere in the opening game against Uruguay was fantastic. Unfortunately, when Hungary won against Iceland and qualified for EURO 2020, fans couldn't be there because of Covid-19, but thankfully, we were able to witness three fantastic matches during the UEFA EURO 2020 group stage.

What advice would you give to disabled fans who may be attending their first ever live matches during UEFA EURO 2020?

Be prepared by reading the available information, and feel free to ask the staff if you don't know something. Do not be afraid, because the vast majority of people are very helpful. I think it's very important non-disabled people are aware of disabled people, but also disabled people know they can go to matches, information and people are out there to help you. Have a positive attitude and go!

What have you enjoyed so far about UEFA EURO 2020?

The Hungarian team performed very well, the match with France was special. It was very good to see Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Antione Griezmann play here in Budapest. 

I am sure the remaining matches will be very exciting too!

Who do you think will win UEFA EURO 2020? Which players are you looking forward to watching?

I hope England will win and I think Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling will play a part in making that happen.

 

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We would like to thank Tamás for sharing her experiences with us and taking part in the UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Stories series. 

Throughout the UEFA EURO 2020 competition, we will be sharing similar interviews from the 11 host cities, as well as access information for each stadium. Follow CAFE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to receive all the latest news and updates. 

If you are a disabled fan, or know a disabled fan who would like to participate in our EURO 2020 Fan Stories series or our #MyMatchday interviews, please feel free to contact CAFE’s Fan Liaison, Access and Administration Officer, Amy Wilson, by email on [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 065 5108.