Stephen Crean, the 61-year-old hero of the Huntingdon train attack, was greeted with heartfelt applause as he attended Nottingham Forest’s match against Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
Forest secured a 3-1 victory at the City Ground, but the real celebration was reserved for Crean, who faced unimaginable danger just over a week ago.
Crean, who suffered seven stab wounds while trying to protect fellow passengers from Anthony Williams—who now faces 11 counts of attempted murder—was given a standing ovation, with his photograph displayed on the main stadium screen.
He sat in the directors’ box, close to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who personally acknowledged Crean’s bravery.
Club Support and Fundraising Efforts
Nottingham Forest has gone out of its way to support Crean.
The club initially donated £10,000 to a fundraising campaign, which has now exceeded £60,000, offering him financial relief while he recovers.
Marinakis also pledged backing for any other fans who were injured during the terrifying train incident.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is shocked and deeply saddened by what happened,” said Marinakis.
“The courage and selflessness shown by our supporters on that train represent the very best of humanity and our club’s community.
We will ensure anyone affected receives the care and support they need.”
Stephen Crean Recalls the Harrowing Attack
The horrifying attack unfolded as Crean was returning from a Nottingham Forest draw against Manchester United.
He heard screams echoing through the train and confronted the knifeman to give other passengers a chance to seek safety.
“He had a great big oversized kitchen knife—it looked like a Japanese sword,” Crean recalled.
“‘Do you want to die?’ he said, coming at me.”
Crean stepped in, allowing a passenger to secure the buffet car door, potentially saving multiple lives.
The confrontation left him with injuries to his hand, back, head, and other areas.
He eventually found refuge in a train toilet, bleeding and waiting for armed police to arrive.
Police Intervention and Hospitalization
Crean described the tense moments before the police entered the train.
“They had guns pointed at me, making sure it was really me before opening the door,” he said.
“It was clever—if they had opened the whole train, he might have escaped.”
He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and discharged last week.
Crean acknowledged the lasting impact of the attack: “I’ll need plastic surgery.
One finger doesn’t look clever, and I’ve had stitches everywhere. I don’t know how long it will take.”
Humility Amid Heroism
Despite widespread praise, Crean remains modest. “I’m not brave.
There are braver people than me—the train guard, the police, the ones who helped me off the train,” he said.
Yet the messages from those he helped have clearly touched him.
“One woman said, ‘You probably saved my daughter’s life.’ I never get emotional, but that got to me.”
A Community Rallies
Nottingham Forest fans and officials alike celebrated Crean’s courage.
The club’s recognition, the fundraising efforts, and the standing ovation sent a clear message: in times of crisis, ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts.
Crean’s story is not just about surviving an attack—it’s about selflessness, courage, and the strength of community.