A BLIND Morton fan turned up for his first game of the season to find out he had been locked out of his special commentary box.

David Robertson, who is registered visually impaired and has a string of other disabilities, says he is 'gutted'.

The 68-year-old turned up at Cappielow with commentator Alan Stewart of the Morton Blind Fans Association and the pair discovered the locks had been changed.

David, who lives at MacLehose Court in Greenock, said: "I feel pretty bad about it.

"I was shocked.

"I went along to the first friendly and Alan went up to try the box and he said 'it's not opening and the wiring is out'.

"I've been getting commentary in the box for 30 years - I love Morton.

"I've always been a fan.

"When I was younger I told my dad I wanted to go but he was frightened that I might get hurt."

David was thrown a lifeline and could safely attend the home games of his beloved team thanks to commentary from dedicated volunteers.

He is now worried that his days of following his beloved Morton could be over.

David said: "I'm devastated.

"I didn't think that would ever happen.

"I really look forward to going to the game on a Saturday - it's the highlight of my week.

"I go to all the home games."

The supporter says his favourite player was Michael Tidser and he was disappointed when the midfielder left in the summer but he is delighted with the new manager David Hopkin.

He said: "I'm glad Dave Hopkin is the new manager.

"I think he will put the players through their paces, he did that with Livingston."

But David added that he is unhappy with his treatment by the club.

He said: "I've been a loyal fan for 30 years, I feel I've been treated wrong.

"I'm gutted.

"Alan says the box is the only safe place for me to sit as I've got mobility problems with my fingers and legs.

"Sometimes if I move my legs too quickly I can fall.

"I don't think Alan would be very happy with me sitting outside the box, safety-wise.

"He used to bring a flask of hot water and we'd have a cup of tea at half time, it saved us from going out into the stand."

David was hoping to go to the home game against Alloa on Saturday but he says it doesn't sound hopeful.

He said: "I've not heard anything."

It is believed the Morton Blind Fan Association dates back to before the Second World War and the special commentary box was built in the corner of the stand and gifted by legendary club figure Hal Stewart after a blind fan was hit in the face with a ball during an outside television broadcast.

It's understood that sometimes opposing fans would also use the facility as they knew the commentary was available.

One former commentator, Mr Jim Gray, was honoured by late chairman Douglas Rae for 60 years of service to blind fans and he was given a special presentation.

Morton chief executive David MacKinnon today responded to David's comments.

He said: "On a review of stadium facilities, I was advised that the locks had been changed by persons using the commentary box, and the club had no keys to access.

"This obviously was a security and health and safety issue which required immediate attention, and access was gained.

"On examination of the space, several untested electrical appliances, which were not installed by the club, were found to be linked to the electricity junction and the power was cut from the room for safety reasons.

"In association with the Greenock Morton Community Trust, we are now discussing what we do with this room going forward.

"I emailed Mr Stewart, who represents the Morton Blind Fans Association last month, asking if live commentaries were planned for the future for the Blind Association, as I understand official commentaries haven’t taken place for several years.

"Once Mr Stewart advises me, we will decide on the future use of this room to best serve the Inverclyde community and the fans of the club.

"I would further add that if Mr Robertson contacts me directly, I will ensure he is found a suitable place to take in the games as our guest."