easyJet cancels flight over Niall Quinns disco pants
03.04.07
What began with a crowd of Sunderland football fans singing Niall Quinn's Disco Pants, led to the cancellation of an easyJet flight and ended with the aforenamed football club's chairman shelling out £8,000 on taxis to get the fans home.
After watching their team win 1-0 over Cardiff in the Championship on Saturday, the Sunderland fans were in a merry mood. On sighting the chairman waiting for an easyJet flight, the fans - to the tune of Here We Go - belted out: 'Niall Quinn's disco pants are the best. They go up from his arse to his chest. They're better than Adam and the Ants. Niall Quinn's disco pants.'
However, when the fans continued singing after boarding the plane, easyJet called the police. Some fans - that the pilot had alleged were drunk - were ejected and the flight was cancelled because it had missed its take-off slot. Quinn and some of his staff had been aboard, while the players had caught an earlier flight.
Around 80 Sunderland supporters were stuck at the airport until Quinn ordered taxis for everybody to make the 300 mile trip back to the north-east. Quinn stayed to make sure everyone was safe before getting in the last taxi, arriving home on Sunday morning. The move is reported to have cost around £8,000.
A spokesman for easyJet said a group of passengers had been ejected for disruptive behaviour 'and the flight was consequently cancelled. The airline offered those passengers not involved a free transfer on to the next available flight and hotel accommodation.'
This account was disputed by Quinn, who said there was no disruptive behaviour. 'The mood was humorous and everyone was in good spirits after a fine victory. Nevertheless we were faced with a situation where our fans were stranded and needed assistance. The club was happy to provide transport back to the north-east for the group, which included children, elderly and disabled fans, as their safety and wellbeing was paramount.'
'We also deny the airline's claim that overnight accommodation was offered and this was witnessed by several independent parties. Thankfully everyone returned home safely and we will now draw a line under this. To any fans who still feel aggrieved, remember the three points came home as well.'
The former Ireland international had his disco pants immortalised when he played for Manchester City - released as a single, the song peaked at No 56 in the UK singles chart in April 1999.
Avon and Somerset Police said no arrests were made.
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