Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe reveals he was stabbed seven times in train attack
Gjoshe, 23, survived a mass stabbing on an LNER service in Cambridgeshire and returned to training in March, but was not retained by the club in May.
Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe has provided his first public account of the mass knife attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on 1 November, revealing he was stabbed seven times during the incident. The 23-year-old, who was travelling from Doncaster to London, sustained injuries to his shoulder, bicep, and arm but survived due to adrenaline and his immediate action to alert other passengers.
Gjoshe described the moment he was attacked, stating he was likely the first person stabbed. He recalled jumping over tables and chairs to flee down the corridor, screaming warnings to other passengers before pulling the emergency alarm in the next carriage. He noted that he was drenched in blood and feared he would not see his family again, describing the event as a "crazy" twist of fate given he normally drives between the two locations.
Following an emergency stop at Huntingdon, where the train was met by armed police, Gjoshe was rushed to hospital. Surgery revealed that the knife had passed through his muscles but narrowly missed a nerve in his arm. He underwent a period of rehabilitation, returning to full training in March, although he admitted he has not been on a train since the incident and stated he feels he cannot "trust anything" now.
The incident significantly disrupted Gjoshe’s career. He had joined Scunthorpe United on non-contract terms in September after being named Corinthian Casuals' Young Player of the Year, making his first-team debut against Leeds United’s under-21s. However, having missed half the season due to his injuries, he was among several players not retained by the club in May. Gjoshe expressed disappointment at not being given another year to prove himself, though he acknowledged the support of fans who raised £4,500 via a GoFund Me campaign.
Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the attack and is due for trial in October. Gjoshe, who is now seeking a new club, said he is fully healed and determined to move on. Former coach Nigel James, father of England internationals Reece and Lauren James, expressed confidence in Gjoshe’s ability to resume his career, describing him as a "very good player and a good person" who deserves another opportunity.
