Rangers release statement as fan tragically dies in Porto ahead of Europa League clash

A Rangers fan has tragically passed away ahead of their European meeting with Porto in Portugal.

The Scottish side paid tribute to the supporter on social media, where they announced he had died of natural causes overnight.

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Rangers announced the news prior to their final Europa League game away in Portugal on Thursday night.

While the fan in question wasn’t named, they have been hailed as ‘a lovely gentle man, who loved his team’.

Meanwhile, Rangers bosses said they were ‘extremely saddened’ to learn of the news.

A statement read: “Everyone at Rangers is extremely saddened to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters overnight in Porto from natural causes.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and we are liaising with both the Portuguese and British authorities.”

Fans pay their respects

Football fans took to X to express their condolences for the supporter.

The Heart and Hand Podcast posted: “Tragic news. Our thoughts are with the family.”

Meanwhile the Hands Across The Water Podcast said: “Condolences to all their family and friends, truly heartbreaking news.”

Rangers fan Senga O’Connor commented: “Gutted he never saw us lift the trophy one last time. A lovely gentle man, who loved his team.

“Wll be sorely missed from our club, and as our friend. Rest east big fella. Forever red white and blue.”

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User Bazza-T wrote: “So sad to hear this.”

“Thoughts with everyone connected to the supporter, RIP,” Rangers fan Nath penned in a reply to the club statement.

Rangers’ sub-par European campaign

Rangers have nothing to play for ahead of their meeting with Porto – sitting four points off the playoffs heading into the match having lost five of their seven games.

Porto, meanwhile, currently occupy a playoff spot, and remain in with a shout of finishing in the top eight.

The Ibrox outfit finally ended their Europa League hoodoo last time out as Mohamed Diomande scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Ludogorets.

The victory was Danny Rohl’s first in Europe since taking over in October, while their only other point came in a 1-1 draw with Braga last month.

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The Scottish Premiership side, meanwhile, fell to defeat to Genk, Sturm Graz, Brann, Roma and Ferencvaros in the league phase.

Rangers will be hoping to keep the pressure on Scottish leaders Hearts, who sit four points clear, when they face Hibs on Sunday.

The Glaswegian giants make the trip to the capital having won their last six having recovered well under Rohl following their disastrous start to the season under Russell Martin.

Elsewhere, Hearts travel to Dundee United on Saturday night, while Celtic, who are also in European action on Thursday, host Falkirk.