Newcastle United players with national hearing loss charity RNID as their shirt sponsor.(Image: Sela)

Newcastle United's new haptic shirts allow deaf fans to feel the noise of St James' Park

For the first time ever in football, this technology was used during NUFC's win against Tottenham Hotspur.

by · ChronicleLive

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 NUFC'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 today. 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 fans wearing the haptic shirts at St James' Park today.(Image: Sela)

Newcastle United players also wore a one-off matchday 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 which marked 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 matchday experience and make it more accessible. Sela hopes that its actions will inspire football clubs across the Premier League to improve accessibility.

Peter Silverstone, the Chief Commercial Officer, added: "Today marks a huge day for inclusion in football. Through the haptic shirts, Sela has granted deaf fans and those with hearing loss the opportunity to experience the matchday atmosphere for which St. James’ Park is so renowned.

"Newcastle United is proud that our ever-increasing global exposure and followership has provided Sela the platform to amplify this great initiative.

"Coupled with the sponsorship donation to RNID, the initiative showcases how football sponsorship can be a catalyst for greater accessibility and inclusion in the game and is demonstrative of Newcastle United and Sela’s joint commitment to ensuring all our fans feel they belong at St. James’ Park."

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