Fulham fan Stephen Vause, who suffered serious head injuries in a bomb attack as a serving soldier in Iraq, enjoyed VIP treatment at his beloved football club.

Stephen, of Surbiton’s Royal Star & Garter home, was invited to Craven Cottage by players Kevin McDonald and Cyrus Christie when they paid a surprise visit.

The match against Hull was the club’s official remembrance game, with wreaths laid in the centre circle before kick-off.

The 32-year-old met forward Bobby Decordova-Reid (right), and was given a club scarf and programme signed by star striker Aleksandar Mitrović.

After the 3-0 defeat, Stephen said: “I enjoyed it; I’m very thankful for the tickets. Next time I go we’ll win!”

When they visited Stephen in Upper Brighton Road, McDonald and Christie also gave him a shirt signed by the squad, and a book on Fulham matches down the years.

Stephen was 19 and on his first tour in Iraq with 4th Bn The Rifles when he suffered brain injuries in a mortar explosion near Basra in 2007. The charity has cared for him since 2015.
McDonald said: “When you consider what Stephen’s been through, it’s an honour to meet him.” Christie, whose brother was in the Army for 10 years and served in Afghanistan, said it was “humbling” to meet Stephen. He added: “He’s a true inspiration.”