A FORMER Bury FC footballer, who has motor neurone disease, claims stewards at Bolton Wanderers’ academy scoffed at his disability.

Lenny Johnrose, who was instrumental in the Shakers rapid rise from the fourth to the second level of English Football in the 1990s, says that stewards questioned the validity of his parking badge and scoffed when he explained what his disability was.

The allegations relate to an incident on Thursday night during a match between Preston and Bolton under-13s, which Mr Johnrose’s son Patrick played in.

The father-of-three, who first highlighted his disgust in a tweet, said that, after presenting his blue badge to a “stroppy” steward, he was told to move his car, which was parked in a disabled bay, closer to the fence.

Mr Johnrose claims that the steward said to him: “I’ve got a badge too and I can walk so what’s your problem? You’ve not got a wheelchair, have you?”

The former midfielder said: “I was absolutely seething. Surely the point of it is you need more access space. I couldn’t believe it. They were absolutely shocking, it’s terrible. And I don’t get angry at anything.”

The altercation prompted Mr Johnrose to speak to another steward, who he claims said: “I don’t know where you’re from, but that’s what we do here.”

The Preston-born player claims that one of the stewards was “exasperated” and slapped him “dismissively” in the stomach, but Mr Johnrose said it didn’t hurt.

He said: “If you’re going to question someone for parking there that’s fine. But I showed him my badge and that should have been the end of it. I don’t know what he expected to see.

“On the one hand it’s just ignorance and you can’t blame people for what they don’t know, but they were really rude and obnoxious.”

The 48-year-old was diagnosed with MND in March, 2017 but said that the brain and nerve condition has been a “slow burner” so far.

Although he does not use a wheelchair, he could lose the ability to walk any day, already feeling weaker in his legs and arms.

Bolton Wanderers’ right-back Stephen Darby was diagnosed with the same life-limiting disease earlier this month, forcing his retirement from football.

Mr Johnrose claims that when he reminded the stewards about the club’s recent announcement, they said: “What a shame.”

After leaving Bury, the former footballer-turned-teacher went on to play for Burnley and Swansea City before hanging up his boots.

Speaking about his disability, he said: “The physical battles are difficult, but you can cope. It’s the mental battles that are the most difficult. I think I’m over the worst of it mentally. I just want to raise awareness now. My mission is to make people aware and get some changes made.”

Mr Johnrose wants to improve accessibility on public transport in Lancashire and is working with the MND Association to persuade the county council to sign a disabilities charter.

A Bolton Wanderers spokesman said: “We are aware of Mr Johnrose’s tweet and are treating this situation very seriously.

“We are getting in touch with Mr Johnrose so we can get more information in order that we can fully investigate this serious matter.”

On its website, the club claims to have an “excellent reputation” for ensuring all supporters enjoy their visits to the stadium acknowledging that disabilities are “wide-ranging and not always visible”.