THE threat of abuse is a barrier to attending sports events for more disabled fans than ever, according to a new report.

The percentage of fans citing disability abuse as a barrier was at the highest level (8.5 per cent) recorded in the four years that the Level Playing Field charity has conducted annual surveys.

That is despite the survey receiving a record number of respondents this year, with 2,055 responses from a total of 1,924 fans, with some individuals giving responses for more than one team they follow.