Mum denied first class seat on Southern Rail by other passengers because she hadn’t paid
Young mother told to 'respect her betters' by elderly lady who wants to sit alone
A ROW broke out on a Southern Rail train after a young mum sat in a first class priority seat without the right ticket.
The mum, who was with her young baby, sat down next to an elderly woman who told her: "You have to respect your elders and your betters. People have actually paid to sit in this carriage."
The dispute between the two women started when the mum asked the elderly woman to put her bag on the floor.
The mum told her: "I offered to put (the bag) up. I'm carrying a baby you have to respect me."
She added: "I've paid my ticket and this is a priority seat."
The first class customer then says: "I don't want a screaming baby next to me", despite the fact the child isn't making any noise.
The mum replies: "He's not screaming, he's behaving better than you."
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Another passenger than gets involved and says: "The lady was asking you if you have a first class (ticket)" before adding that it is only a priority seat for first class passengers.
The mother then says to one of the complaining customers: "I'm sorry for breathing your first class air."
A commuter came to the mum's defence and said: "At the end of the day she's got a baby so she can sit where she wants."
The woman sitting next to the mum then alleges she has a "stinking cold" and doesn't want to give it to the baby.
At the end of the footage another passenger invites the mum to come and sit in a vacant seat near him.
Other people can be heard applauding the man as the clip draws to a close.
The video was shared by Facebook user Tyrone Williams from Bromley, Kent, on Friday.
It happened just days ahead of Southern Rail strike action which has plunged commuter journeys into chaos for thousands of customers.
The rail operator told customers not to travel because of the walkout.
Southern Rail strikes have been going on for months and some customers are able to claim a refund.
On the first day of the latest walkout a furious commuter shouted "union scumbags" at Southern Rail staff live on Good Morning Britain.
A Southern Rail spokesperson said: "Our priority seats are available in both standard class and first class.
"They should be given up if they’re needed more by people with disabilities, expectant mothers, elderly passengers or those carrying infants.
"Passengers using priority seats in first class should still have a valid first class ticket unless first class has been declassified due to disruption."
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