Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has promised to personally fund the medical treatment of fans affected by a shocking mass stabbing incident on a train from Doncaster to London on Saturday evening.
The attack occurred hours after Forest’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the City Ground, as supporters made their way home. According to police and witness accounts, two men armed with knives attacked passengers on the LNER service, leaving eleven people injured. Two victims remain in life-threatening condition in hospital.
Forest confirmed that “many of our London-based supporters were travelling home on that train” and expressed “deepest concern and heartfelt sympathy” to those affected. The club said it was liaising closely with authorities and offering support to anyone connected to the tragedy.
In a heartfelt statement, Marinakis said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the events and vowed to ensure no fan suffers alone during their recovery.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is shocked and deeply saddened by what happened,” Marinakis said. “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.
“We will make sure any supporter caught up in this incident receives whatever financial support they require to enable them to access the best possible medical care as they recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
Marinakis, who purchased Nottingham Forest in 2017, has been widely praised for his gesture of solidarity. Fans have taken to social media to thank him and share messages of unity, with many expressing pride in how Forest supporters helped one another during the chaos.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and bravery on board. Alistair Day, who was returning home to Hertford after the match, told BBC Sport he initially thought the commotion was a prank before realising the seriousness of the situation.
“I was just by the buffet car,” Day said. “It was odd. I was at the end of the carriage, all these kids were running up and I thought it was like a prank – Halloween or students. Then they’re getting louder and louder, and people with blood on them started appearing. I thought, ‘Oh, bloody hell, this is not good’.”
Emergency services met the train when it stopped, and police quickly detained two suspects believed to be responsible for the attack. Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive but are treating the case as a major criminal investigation.
Forest’s statement praised the bravery of passengers, noting that “many individuals demonstrated extraordinary courage which undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm.”
“The entire Nottingham Forest family stands firmly behind them as they recover from the events of yesterday,” the club added.
LNER, the train operator, also issued a message of sympathy and confirmed it was cooperating fully with police. “We are deeply shocked by this incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” a spokesperson said.
The attack has prompted widespread concern about passenger safety on public transport, particularly during busy weekends when football fans travel between cities.
While investigations continue, Nottingham Forest has encouraged anyone connected to the club who was on the train to reach out for support. Club officials are said to be coordinating with hospitals and police to identify affected fans.
As the Forest community rallies together, tributes have poured in from across the football world. Rival clubs, including Manchester United, have sent messages of solidarity to Forest supporters, underlining how moments of tragedy transcend sporting divides.
For Marinakis and Forest, the focus now is on ensuring those hurt receive the care and support they deserve. His statement of compassion, and his commitment to cover medical costs, have been widely viewed as a powerful reminder that football, at its best, is about more than results — it is about people standing together in times of crisis.
