A man who says he is the cousin of Oceana clubber Jamie Sanderson, who was stabbed at the club, has thrown his support behind the under-fire venue.

A Facebook campaign opposing the club’s closure has attracted thousands of supporters, including Elijah Flanders.

Writing on the Save Our Oceana Kingston page, Mr Flanders said: “It was actually my cousin who was [killed] last month... But I do not believe the blame should be put on Oceana and I say this for all other incidents that have happened before this.

“If people weren’t so frickin’ backwards and barbaric, everyone would be able to enjoy nights properly out without fearing this kind of crap.

"Resorting to violence (especially with weapons) will just show everyone how pathetic you really are."

His post has attracted 15 “likes” so far.

But his views are in stark contrast to those of Mr Sanderson’s mother, Carol, who is threating to sue Oceana’s owner Luminar Leisure and wants to see the club shut down.

To date, the Save Our Oceana Kingston campaign has more than 3,500 supporters.