Fundraiser for Scunthorpe United player injured in train stabbing

A fundraising campaign is under way for a footballer injured during the stabbing attack on a London-bound train on Saturday evening.

Scunthorpe United player Jonathan Gjoshe “sustained non-life-threatening injuries” when he was slashed across the bicep, the club told the BBC.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, has been charged over the incident.

Matt Ellis, from the Iron Bru podcast, said they set up the fundraiser to help the player while he recovers from his injuries.

It was “absolutely horrendous”, Mr Ellis said.

He praised both Scunthorpe Utd fans and the wider football community for supporting the appeal.

Mr Ellis said the initial target had been £2,000, but this was raised due to the “amazing” response.

The appeal has raised more than £3,000 in about 24 hours.

“There’s always that kind of reassuring solidarity with Scunthorpe Utd fans if they know they can help out with a few quid for something like this,” he said.

“Hopefully, we will get a little bit more, which will help Jonathan on the route to his recovery,” he added.

The 22-year-old defender, who also plays for North Lincolnshire side Bottesford Town under the dual-registration rules in non-league football, signed for Scunthorpe in September after spending the majority of the pre-season with the club.

Money raised from the fundraiser will go towards any adjustments that need to be made in the form of care, transport costs and loss of earnings while he recovers from his injuries.

In an earlier statement, the National League side said: “Everyone at the club, from the board, management and his team-mates, along with all staff behind the scenes, sends our heartfelt well wishes to Jonathan for a full recovery, which is also extended to all the victims on board the train.”

The Iron manager Andy Butler described it as “an awful thing to happen”.

“It hits close to home it really does,” he said.

“The club will back him every step of the way in terms of recovery.

“We just hope Jonathan feels OK.”