A student hit out at an “ignorant” commuter after she filmed him apparently branding Muslims “terrorists” on the London Underground.
The unnamed sociology student, who is herself a Muslim, said the man launched a loud tirade on the Jubilee Line near Stratford on Friday. Posting a short video clip of the incident on social media, the 21-year-old wrote: “What happened to me today as soon as I got on the train and sat down... #Islamophobia.”
Revealing details of the alleged ordeal, which came in the wake of the Brussels terror attacks in which 31 people died, she went on: “I was on my way home, and got on the jubilee line, and saw a vacant seat so I sat down...
“Not long after I had sat down, one of them starts speaking really loudly. He goes, ‘all Muslims are terrorists’.”
But the student said she refused to be drawn into an argument with the man – a reaction which she said provoked further abuse from him.
“He realised I wasn’t saying anything so carries on with his abuse,” she wrote, adding: “So what did I do? Turned around and smiled :).
“I thought to myself this guy is obviously quite ignorant if he’s going to say such comments... but no point giving him an even bad impression of Muslims, than what he already has in mind.
 “Living in London, one would think that muslims especially hijabis would get a lot of abuse because of the way we’re dressed... and people always do ask me if I’ve experienced any islamaphobic comments...Up till today I could proudly say I hadn’t, but thank you to the guy on the train for ruining that :))”.
Speaking after the incident, the young woman told the Standard: “There were quite a lot of people and no-one said anything. People totally ignored it - I was shocked.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that. I’ve heard of it on the news but never thought I would personally experience it.
“It’s become normal in society”.
The video has now been shared hundreds of times on social media, with many Twitter users praising the woman for her stand against the passenger.
One wrote: “I’m so sorry that happened to you.  Stay safe.  You took the high road by ignoring him.”
Another added: “you did well with your response, hopefully it’ll help make the fool less ignorant.”
The alleged victim added: “There’s been a lot of support, which I didn’t expect at all. People are outraged about what’s happened because it shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
Police today condemned the video and encouraged victims of hate crime to report any incidents.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Everyone has the right to travel safely, and nobody should feel threatened or intimidated when using the rail network.
“Victims of hate crime should be assured that they will be taken seriously by the police and that we will not tolerate hate crime and take positive action to investigate all allegations, support victims and arrest offenders.
“We encourage people to report hate crime, no one should suffer in silence, so please report hate crime to us as soon as possible so we can act.
“Anyone who has been a victim of hate crime or has witnessed an incident should contact BTP.”
l A Croydon man who allegedly tweeted he had confronted a woman about the Brussels terror attacks has had a charge of inciting racial hatred dropped just hours after he was accused of it.
Matthew Doyle, 46, was arrested by police after a tweet from his account stated: “I confronted a Muslim woman yesterday in Croydon.
“I asked her to explain Brussels. She said ‘Nothing to do with me’. A mealy mouthed reply.”
He was charged yesterday morning with publishing or distributing written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, likely or intended to stir up racial hatred.
But last night police revealed the charge had been dropped and a planned court appearance this morning was cancelled following discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
A Met Police spokesman said: “Police may not make charging decisions on offences under Section 19 of the Public Order Act.
“There will be further consultation with the CPS.”
The tweet sparked a furious reaction on Twitter with many people parodying the comments.
TechnicallyRon wrote: “I confronted a dog today & asked him about that time when I was 4 and a dog bit me. “woof” he said. A mealy mouthed reply.”