James Scrimgeour died while following Rangers against Porto in the Europa League.
Rangers fans have been urged to hold a minute’s applause in memory of a supporter who died ahead of the club’s Europa League clash with Porto. James Scrimgeour passed away overnight from natural causes after travelling to Portugal to watch the Ibrox side on Thursday, January 29.
Gers supporters are now urging a minute’s silence to be held in memory of their fellow fan during the club’s clash with Kilmarnock on Wednesday night. A Facebook post from Fernando Ricksen Loyal said requested the tribute take place during the 65th minute.
It read: “65th minute applause Wednesday for Rangers fan James Scrimgeour who sadly passed away whilst in Portugal before the Porto game. Rest easy James.”
Tributes have flooded in since the death of the “lovely gentle man, who loved his team”. In a post on Facebook, Tony Smeaton wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we would like to inform family and friends that James Scrimgeour passed away peacefully in his sleep in Portugal last night.
“He was in Portugal following his life long love of Glasgow Rangers FC. Unfortunately passing before he could watch them tonight. RIP Jim.”
Other supporters were left devastated following the news and tributes quickly flooded in from the footballing world.
Senga O’Connor said: “Gutted he never saw us lift the trophy one last time. A lovely gentle man, who loved his team. will be sorely missed from our club, and as our friend. Rest east big fella. Forever red white and blue.”
Elizabeth Park wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking beyond belief.”
Thomas Colquhoun said: “Up in heaven, with the angels – you’ll be singing follow follow for the Rangers that you loved.”
Partick Thistle fan John Smith said: “Condolences to family and friends rest easy Teddy Bear from a Jags fan.”
And rival supporter Mick Carr added: “Sorry to hear this, from a Celtic fan. RIEP.”
Rangers said they would be liaising with both the Portuguese and British authorities following James’ death as they offered their condolences to his heartbroken family.
A Rangers FC spokesperson said: “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 had flown out to Porto for their final Europa League match of the season on Thursday, last week. Despite an early goal from Djeidi Gassama, the Ibrox outfit went on to lose the game 3-1.
The Glasgow side had already been eliminated from the league phase, despite a first win of the campaign over Ludogorets last week. Rangers have also had trips to Sturm Graz in Austria, Brann in Norway and Ferencvaros in Hungary this term.