Ryanair refuse to refund Huntingdon prepare hero’s Austria flight and say ‘get insurance coverage’

Ryanair has refused to refund the flights of train attack hero Stephen Crean, who was set to travel to Austria to watch Forest play.

The 61-year-old bravely intervened during a knife attack on an LNER train service while returning home from the Reds’ home match against Manchester United on Saturday (November 1), potentially saving lives in the process. During the horrifying incident, 1 people were injured and Mr Crean himself was attacked.

As a devoted Forest supporter, Mr Crean had plans to fly to Austria on Wednesday to watch them face off against SK Sturm Graz. However, due to his injuries, he was unable to make the journey.

Despite this, Ryanair has heartlessly refused to refund his flight, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

The budget airline has even suggested that Mr Crean should have taken out travel insurance, further snubbing the hero. Fellow Forest fans have now pledged never to use the Irish company again following its “shocking” treatment of Mr Crean.

The hero recounted how he grabbed the attacker’s arm and engaged in a struggle to protect fellow passengers during Saturday’s incident. In response, the top of Mr Crean’s head was sliced, and he sustained seven knife wounds.

His brave actions have led to him being hailed as a national hero, with politicians joining calls for him to be awarded a George Cross medal.

Despite Stephen’s heroic actions, Ryanair has declined to refund him for his tickets to Austria. The budget airline defended its stance in a statement: “All Ryanair air fares are non-refundable, which is why we strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance in order to protect themselves if they can’t travel.”

Stephen’s closest mates and fellow supporters have now urged the Forest community to shun Ryanair over its harsh response to their friend’s plight. We echo these calls, urging the airline to show some humanity towards a man who stepped up when many would have fled.

Kevin George, from the LGBT+ Trickies supporters group, expressed his disgust: “He put his life on the line to protect other people and Ryanair’s response is absolutely disgusting.”

He added, “There are many Forest fans flying out to Austria today and using Ryanair to get there. Hopefully fans will start to boycott the airline over the fact they’ve refused to refund a hero who put himself on the line for others.”

Reflecting on Stephen’s bravery, he said, “What he did – none of us knew what we would do unless we were in that position and actually stood up in the way he did. I’m not sure how many of us would have done that”.

Philip Chambers, one of Stephen’s closest friends and among the first he contacted after being discharged from hospital following Saturday’s attack, spoke to Nottinghamshire Live from Austria. He shared his shock at Ryanair’s decision: “It’s shocking what Ryanair have done and Stephen is gutted he can’t come,” Mr Chambers said.

“I understand they have policies and I’d say I’m not surprised – but you think but they might change their mind when you think of the impact of what Stephen has done.

“They could at least reach out to him to privately given what’s happened, but they can’t even do that”.

Philip revealed that Stephen is on the mend and will be watching Thursday’s match from home, whilst deciding whether he’ll be fit enough to attend Forest’s upcoming fixture against Leeds United on Sunday.

Mr Crean came face-to-face with the assailant after boarding the LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross at Grantham.

Following his confrontation with the blade-wielding attacker, he fled to an unoccupied toilet compartment on the train whilst attempting to stem his severe bleeding.

He then stayed locked in the cubicle until the service was redirected to Huntingdon station.

Emergency services escorted him from the train, and the devoted Reds supporter – who regularly attends matches home and away – received medical treatment and is now on the road to recovery, with his bandages due to be removed by week’s end.

A JustGiving fundraising campaign has been launched in Mr Crean’s honour, aiming to provide financial assistance during his recuperation period.

By Thursday (November 6) afternoon, more than £50,000 had been collected, with Nottingham Forest contributing £10,000, alongside notable personalities including boxing promoter Frank Warren and film producer and actor Jonny Owen. Anthony Williams, 32, hailing from Peterborough, has subsequently been slapped with 10 charges of attempted murder, one charge of actual bodily harm and one charge of possession of a bladed article, in the wake of the attack.

The suspect, born in Britain, is believed to have hopped on the train at Peterborough station.

Samir Zitouni, 48, has also been hailed as a heroic LNER employee onboard who stepped up to shield those under threat from the attacker.