Small Claims Court Ryanair

Lemonymoonlight

I put in an MCOL claim for £800 to Ryanair 14 days ago, as we were refused boarding on a flight for which they claimed we needed covid tests.  I have received this email today.
Dear Sirs,

We write on behalf of our client, the Defendant in the above matter.  

We refer to the claim form issued on 24/10/2022.  It appears to us that the proceedings have been started under the Online Civil Money Claims pilot scheme. However, the claim falls outside the scope of the scheme because the Defendant is legally represented (see Practice Direction 51R, paragraph 2.1 (3) (n) (i)). Our client wishes to defend the claim. We therefore give notice in accordance with Paragraph 10.1 (1) that the Defendant is unable to respond online, and we ask the court to proceed in accordance with Paragraphs 10.1 (3) to (5).

This sounds very official and I am not sure what to do next?  If anything?  Do I need a solicitor?  Any help, tips and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

eskbanker

This was previously posted on another board, where it did get one response about what that wording signifies:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79629335/#Comment_79629335

mattyprice4004

The big question is were they wrong to deny you boarding, or did you in fact need the tests and you weren't familiar with the requirements? 

Voyager2002

No you do not need a solicitor. If it is you as an ordinary person up against a solicitor, the court will bend backwards to help you.

You do of course need to be able to demonstrate that Ryanair was wrong, and that test results were not required for your trip.

onashoestring

What was you destination and date of the flight ?