Celtic fan seriously hurt after falling from ferry’s top deck

A CELTIC fan from Livingston has been left with serious injuries after falling from the top deck of a ferry on his way to a match in France.

Sean Cantwell, 27, is currently being cared for at a French hospital, where he is expected to remain for some time.

Now, the community is rallying round to support his family, who have staged a vigil at his bedside.

The incident happened on an overnight Brittany Ferries service from Portsmouth on which Celtic supporters were travelling to last Thursday’s Europa League match against Rennes, which they drew 1-1.

He suffered massive chest injuries after the fall – bursting an artery in his heart – and severe injuries to his face.

A message on the Celtic supporters’ website Kerrydale Street read: “A broken bone also went through his heart so it’s only by the grace of god he is still alive at all.”

Last week, Sean underwent an operation on his heart, which was followed shortly afterwards by facial reconstructive surgery.

It is understood Sean, who was kept sedated by doctors as he recovered from his last operation, will have to be brought home in an air ambulance, an expense his family will have to cover.

A massive Hoops supporter, Sean travels to games with the Craigshill Shamrock Celtic Supporters Club, which leaves on a bus from the Tower Pub in Livingston.

Former Celtic forward Chris Sutton recorded a message for Sean when he attended a book signing at The Centre, Livingston.

The footballer, one of the club’s most popular players of the last 20 years, said he was “really sorry” to hear about the accident.

He added: “Hopefully you’ll get better soon and get back to the games and supporting the Hoops.”

Messages of support have flooded on to the many websites and forums dedicated to the Glasgow club.

One said: “Heart goes out to him and all his family and friends, hope he makes a full recovery.”

Another read: “Thoughts with the bhoy, get well soon Sean.”

Other messages of support were posted on Facebook.

A Brittany Ferries spokesman said: “We had a passenger who was injured in a fall. We believe he was seriously injured but is now in a stable condition.”

Fellow supporters have been organising collections and two fundraising events have been organised to help Sean’s family cope with the financial pressure of travelling back and forth to France to be with him.

A race night will be held from 7pm on Friday at The Tower, the Mall, Craigshill. On Saturday, a shopping day will be held at The Saltire, Carmondean, from midday to 2pm.