Hero of Huntingdon train attack receives standing ovation at Nottingham Forest match
Huntingdon train attack hero Stephen Crean returned to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground this afternoon, where thousands of supporters rose to their feet in recognition of his extraordinary courage, reports BritPanorama.
The 61-year-old was honoured in the directors’ box, seated beside club owner Evangelos Marinakis, as Forest secured a 3-1 victory against Leeds United.
The stadium’s main screen displayed Mr Crean’s image while the crowd delivered a thunderous standing ovation. This marked his first visit to the ground since the horrific incident just over a week ago, which left him with multiple stab wounds incurred while defending fellow passengers.
The brutal assault occurred when Anthony Williams launched a frenzied knife attack on the train, resulting in Mr Crean sustaining seven stab wounds as he intervened to shield other passengers. Williams now faces eleven charges of attempted murder following the rampage.
Mr Crean suffered injuries to his head, back, hands, and other areas during the violent confrontation. The attacker reportedly shouted, “Do you want to die?” while wielding what Mr Crean described as an oversized kitchen knife resembling “a Japanese sword or something.”
Mr Crean had been returning from watching Forest’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United when the attack unfolded. Nottingham Forest has contributed £10,000 to a fundraising campaign that has now amassed over £60,000 to assist Mr Crean during his recovery. The club’s owner, Mr Marinakis, has committed to providing comprehensive financial assistance to ensure all affected supporters receive optimal medical treatment.
In a tribute, Marinakis wrote: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is shocked and deeply saddened by what happened. The courage and selflessness shown by our supporters on that train represents the very best of humanity and the very best of our club’s community.”
The Greek businessman emphasised that the club would cover all necessary costs for supporters requiring medical care following the incident. Mr Crean recounted hearing passengers’ screams before encountering the armed assailant in the buffet car, where his swift action allowed another passenger to secure the buffet door, potentially preventing numerous casualties.
After sustaining multiple wounds, Mr Crean found refuge in an empty toilet, where he remained bleeding for approximately 10 minutes. Armed officers eventually located him, maintaining tactical caution by keeping weapons trained on him until confirming his identity.
Following ambulance transport to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, he was released the following Sunday morning. His injuries necessitate plastic surgery, particularly for finger damage, though recovery timelines remain uncertain. Despite widespread acclaim, Mr Crean deflects praise, insisting, “I’m not brave,” and highlighting the contributions of the train guard and police officers.
In the end, such acts of heroism remind us of the resilience found in ordinary people, moments when the mundane intersects with the extraordinary, and how crisis can bring out the best—and sometimes the most unexpected—in humanity.
