Steve Coogan defends passengers being penalised for being in first class on a packed train

Comedian Steve Coogan was captured on video defending passengers after a ticket inspector said they couldn’t stand in first class on a packed train.

The 52-year-old reportedly said it was "outrageous" that they were told to leave because they didn’t have first class tickets, given that there was space there.

Video footage was uploaded online, but it is not clear exactly what Coogan is saying. He can be heard saying the inspector was not being "pragmatic".

One commuter, according to the SWNS said: "He was saying that it was outrageous that they should face any penalty and that they should have somewhere to sit."

He was being very chivalrous defending the other passengers. There was one woman who was being told to leave even though she had a lot of luggage and wanted to stay with her bags.

The commuter added : "The train was ridiculously overcrowded with people packed into the aisles and a few passengers had wandered into the first class carriage simply to find a seat or somewhere a little bit more comfortable to stand."

The incident happened on the 8:46 train from Lewes, Sussex to London Victoria.

In the end however, Coogan’s efforts were for naught, and passengers were forced to leave.

The guard said to the other passengers: "I don't think the ticket inspector realises who he is."

Southern Rail have been contacted for comment.

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