This is the moment a 'selfish' commuter appeared to leave a woman on crutches standing while he sat working on his laptop on a rus...
This is the moment a 'selfish' commuter appeared to leave a woman on crutches standing while he sat working on his laptop on a rush hour London train.
Sonny Phillips, 22, took the photo on his morning journey from Clapham Junction to Isleworth on Tuesday, and claims the man did not offer her a seat.
In the image, which construction worker Mr Phillips took while standing himself, the commuter even appears to be glancing in her direction while she stands closely behind him with her lower leg brace in full view.
Later on during his 30-minute trip Mr Phillips said someone else offered the woman a seat and she 'happily accepted'.
He posted the picture on Facebook, sparking many social media users to sharply criticise the sitting passenger. Others defended his behaviour and claimed there could be more to the story - such as the man himself having a hidden disability or not realising the woman was on crutches.
Sonny Phillips, who works in construction, took the photo on his morning journey on Tuesday and claims the man did not offer her a seat
Mr Phillips, from East Dulwich, London, said: 'I noticed this woman on a crutch and brace and noticed she was stood right next to a man who was sat down on his laptop.
'I just thought it was strange she wasn't offered a seat by him throughout the whole journey. He obviously could tell she was right next to him.
'I'm really not a fan of that behaviour. I know people tend to be quite ignorant on their commute.
'But it just struck me as odd because if I was sitting down and I saw a woman with a crutch right next to me, without a second guess I'd give up my seat.
Commenters suggested there might be more than meets the eye - such as the man himself having a hidden disability or claiming he had too much work to do
'I'm sure if he had offered her a seat and I hadn't noticed she would have accepted because later on in the journey I saw someone else offer her a seat and she gladly accepted, so I just assumed he didn't really care to.
'It's sad really because it looked to me like she was just used to it - she was just on her phone.
'To be fair she didn't ask for a seat but I posted the photo because personally I don't think someone in that position should have to ask.
'Of course these situations do exist [where someone has a hidden injury or disability] but to my knowledge he was able to get off the train without any problems.
'I didn't see him get off the train but I know by the time I reached my stop he wasn't there so I guess he was fine.'
Sonny's post on Facebook has racked up 775 comments and more than 40 shares with many people angrily hitting out at the commuter's behaviour
Mr Phillips' post on Facebook has racked up 775 comments and more than 40 shares with many people angrily hitting out at the commuter's behaviour.
Geoff Bosley said: 'The worse thing is he has noticed [her stood next to him].'
Sonny Phillips, pictured, took the image on his train journey
Steve Cooper said: 'Not sure what's the biggest crime here, the suit or not giving up the seat.'
However other commenters suggested there might be more than meets the eye.
Sandro Cirillo said: 'Let's not jump to conclusions... he could be unaware of her, be unable to stand for whatever reason, or have his offer declined by her.'
Beckie Ross said: 'Right and what about hidden disabilities? How do you know he hasn't got one? Why are you only pointing him out and not everyone else on the train who isn't giving up their seats?'
Tom Johnson said: 'He's clearly focused on his laptop and hasn't seen her. If she wants the seat she can ask. In any case, how do we know he isn't also disabled?'
Al Mac said: 'When I had a broken foot, the really painful thing was getting up and down. I wouldn't judge this fella too harshly without further evidence.'
Zach Clabon said: 'Tell that lady about the great phrase ''excuse me, can I have a seat?'' F*** your passive aggression. You care so much, ask the bloke yourself'
There was even a heated debate about whether he needed to work and others could have offered her the seat.
Anthony Hegedus said: 'To be fair, he's doing some work. Maybe someone who isn't doing some work could get up. I'm so glad I don't commute.'
Jason Coombes said: 'How is that fair? Maybe she needs to work too.'
Vix Rowan said: 'He's working on his laptop, probably hasn't even noticed her. If you are too polite to ask for a seat it's kind of your own problem.'
Kate Nickleson-Lasagna said: 'Even if I had work to do, if I'd left it so late that I had to do it on the train, that's down to my poor time management skills - it doesn't mean I can have priority over anyone else who needs the seat.'
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