RE: Astraeus 737 diverted after fans ‘riot’
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 14-12-02 AT 00:56 AM (GMT)]this is this morning (Saturday’s) version in the online Daily Range-, er, Record…
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CELTIC fans forced a jet to make an emergency landing after two flight attendants claimed they were assaulted during a mid-air riot.
The pilot of the chartered flight sent out a Mayday alert at 30,000ft and two RAF helicopters were scrambled after reports of a serious disturbance on board.
Six fans were arrested after the plane, en route from Santiago in Spain to Glasgow, was diverted to Cardiff.
It was carrying supporters back from Celtic’s UEFA Cup win over Celta Vigo.
Trouble flared when a passenger was allegedly caught smoking in the toilet. The pilot quickly declared an emergency.
More than 50 police officers were waiting when the Boeing 737 – carrying 142 passengers and six crew – made its unscheduled landing.
Three ambulances and a rapid response unit had rushed to the airport. Police surrounded the plane and arrested six passengers. The rest were held under armed guard.
It was claimed that one flight attendant was struck on the arm by a fan.
And it’s alleged a second may have been hurt during the melee, which was described by aviation sources as a “riot”. The pilot’s radio message allegedly said there was “major public disorder” aboard the plane.
Last night, Celtic said they were “extremely concerned” about the incident, but would wait for more details before commenting.
There were claims the fans had been drinking all day, although there was no booze on the flight.
A police source said: “It seems the steward was getting a lot of abuse and trouble from a section of the passengers.
“It took a turn for the worse and there were reports of violence on board.
“The pilot decided it was no longer safe to stay in the air and radioed a Mayday.”
The Celtic fans had been celebrating getting into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.
South Wales Police were last night interviewing flight attendants and passengers.
The plane landed at around 3.30pm. A police spokeswoman said yesterday afternoon: “We have numerous vehicles and officers at the airport after being requested by the air force.
“We are there carrying out statements and trying to get to the bottom of what has gone on. The pilot clearly felt it was not safe to carry on the journey but it is too early to say if it will result in charges.
“Obviously we treat events of this nature at airports very seriously and at one stage we declared it a full emergency situation.
“Offences on board an aircraft can result in jail terms.”
Two helicopters from Chivenor, Devon, were scrambled shortly after the Mayday was sent. They were stood down after the jet landed safely.
The passengers were led from the plane by police into the terminal building where they were held under armed guard in a secured lounge.
Architect David McKenna, 40, from Clydebank, was on the flight with his brother Jim. He said: “Apparently someone was smoking in the toilets and that caused trouble with the staff.
“I believe there was also an argument between one of the fans, who is a lawyer, and a stewardess. It’s been claimed he put his hands on her and that’s what triggered the pilot to divert to Cardiff.
“As far as I’m concerned there was no trouble or rowdiness, just happy banter.
“Even after the alleged incidents the staff didn’t seem to be panicked at all.
“I think the pilot’s reaction was excessive, it’s incredible we were grounded.
“The police boarded when we touched down and immediately one of the fans had to be carried off because he had taken a panic attack.
“No one felt threatened at any time. There was no fracas and I’m amazed this has happened.
“There was no alcohol served on the flight and everyone was sober, except for some who had a few drinks before they got on. But everyone was in a good mood and there was no hint of trouble.”
He added that police refused to tell the fans when they would be released or how they would get back to Glasgow.
Another passenger, Steve Prince, said: “There was no alcohol on the flight. No one was drinking their own alcohol.”
A spokesman for the jet’s owner Astraeus said: “The incident involved a passenger smoking. The captain told them this was not acceptable.
“A fight ensued and at least one flight attendant was hit on the arm.
“The plane landed safely at 3.30pm. We are currently investigating whether there were any injuries to crew or passengers, or any damage to the plane.
“In these circumstances, the captain’s foremost priority is the safety and security of both passengers and crew and he judged that diverting to Cardiff was the best course of action.” Glasgow travel agent Harry Hynds chartered three flights to Spain for the Celtic game. But last night, he was still in the dark over what happened.
He said: “All I know is that one of our flights was diverted to Cardiff.
“I can’t believe there could have been trouble because this was not a flight full of thugs, these guys are respectable fans.
“A lot of people on the aircraft were regular customers with us for foreign matches.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and never had this before.
“We operate a strict no alcohol and no smoking policy.”
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