One member of the Calypso band who won compensation from Ryanair for being thrown off a plane after being branded as terrorists has demanded an apology from the airline.

Jason Constantine, 43 from Chapel Road, West Norwood, and his four bandmates from the Caribbean Steel International Orchestra, one of whom is blind, were removed by armed police from the Ryanair plane they had boarded in Sardinia on New Year's Eve 2006.

They were removed after three families accused the band - the only black people on the plane - of being terrorists.

Despite being cleared by the authorities the group, who had performed at a world music festival in Sardinia, was not allowed to re-board the plane, which was travelling to Stanstead, and were stranded in Sardinia until New Year's Day when they were offered a flight to Liverpool. When they arrived they missed the last coach to London and were forced to spend the night at the bus shelter.

Last week a Mayor's and City of London court judge ruled Ryanair had not acted reasonably and failed in its duty of care to the band.

He awarded each band member £800 on top of their losses of £190 each.

"We want Ryanair to admit they were wrong but they're yet to do that," said Mr Constantine, a dad-of-five. "It's a victory of sorts because the company is appealing the judgment.

"Liverpool at night was not a nice place to be. We were looking forward to being with our families over new year."

"I don't think there were any grounds for the passenger who first complained about us to say what he said. I think his motives were racist."

Mr Constantine said Ryanair's defence about security fears was not strong enough. "Terrorism is a genuine threat but Ryanair was trying to use that excuse to justify what they did."

A Ryanair spokesman confirmed the airline is appealing the judgement.

"While we sincerely regret the inconvenience they suffered, our crew were right to prioritise passenger safety and security," he said.

"The award of £800 is unjustified in the context of the circumstances of this case and today's heightened security environment."