Rangers fan, 25, dies in ‘tragic incident’ in Lisbon after club’s Europa League match with Benfica as club say tragedy ‘has hit everyone extremely hard’
- Thomas McAllister died in what Rangers described as a ‘tragic incident’
- It happened after they drew 2-2 with Benfica in the first leg of their last 16 tie
- What is going on?! Why should players take over from the fans after losing? – Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
A Rangers supporter has died in Lisbon after the team’s Europa League match with Benfica.
The club confirmed that 25-year-old Thomas McAllister has died in a ‘tragic incident’. The circumstances of his death remain unknown.
The first leg of the last-16 tie at the Estadio da Luz ended in a 2-2 draw on Thursday evening.
A Rangers club statement Read: ‘It is with great sadness that Rangers FC has been informed that supporter Thomas McAllister has passed away in Lisbon following last night’s UEFA Europa League match against Benfica.
‘The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with Thomas’ family and friends, and we will remain in constant contact with both the Portuguese and British authorities regarding this tragic incident.’
Rangers fan Thomas McAllister (centre) died after Thursday’s match in Lisbon
The 25-year-old, left, died on Thursday in what Rangers described as a ‘tragic incident’
Rangers supporters pictured after Thursday evening’s match at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon
The Rangers players greet their traveling supporters after Thursday’s 2-2 draw
Rangers CEO James Bisgrove said: “On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas’ loved ones, family and his friends.
‘This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard, and I am sure it will hit all our supporters as well. No one should ever have to go to a football game and not return home.
“The club stands ready to assist Thomas’ family in any way possible in the coming days and weeks.”
The Daily record said McAllister, a father known to friends as Tam, from Drumchapel in north-west Glasgow.
Just hours before the tragedy, he had posted a photo of Lisbon on Facebook.
Tributes poured in on social media, with one friend writing: ‘Another sad, sad day in Drumchapel. Tam, I have no words, a hard one to take. You will be so missed.”
Another wrote: ‘No fan should go to a game and never return home. RIP Thomas McAllister. Condolences to family and friends.’
“Truly one of the best guys ever,” read another Facebook tribute.
“Such terrible news to hear man, never take a day for granted,” said another message.
Rangers led twice in Thursday’s match through goals from Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling, but an Angel Di Maria penalty and Connor Goldson’s own goal ensured the sides made a full return to Ibrox next Thursday.
Benfica came from behind twice against the Scottish team in their Europa League match
Tom Lawrence (photo) had given the visitors the lead in the first half of the last sixteen
Dujon Sterling struck from close range to restore Rangers’ lead in the second half