Scotland pay tribute to Gordon McQueen before European qualifier against Georgia at Hampden Park
Scotland pays tribute to Gordon McQueen after his death from dementia aged 70 ahead of European qualifier against Georgia at Hampden Park
Scotland paid a heartwarming tribute to former player Gordon McQueen before their game against Georgia on Tuesday evening.
McQueen died last week at the age of 70 after a battle with late-life dementia.
He played a total of 30 games for Scotland and was part of two World Cup squads, in 1974 and 1978.
He also played for Manchester United, Leeds and St Mirren during his playing career, making over 229 appearances during his time at United.
Scotland mourned his death at Hampden Park on Tuesday, observing a period of applause in the rain ahead of their European Championship qualifier, which they won 2-0.
Scotland paid tribute to the late Gordon McQueen at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening
McQueen made 30 appearances for Scotland and was part of two World Cup squads
He died last week at the age of 70 after a battle with late-life dementia
In a full statement from the McQueen family, they said they hailed Gordon as “the ultimate entertainer” who was “the heart and soul of the locker room” and showed courage to the end.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” the statement read.
“We hope that he will not only create many great football memories for the club and his country, but will also be remembered for the love, laughter and courage that characterized his career and family life – not least during his recent struggles.” with poor health.
“Our home has always been a constant buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he bravely battled the brutal impact of dementia.
“The disease may have taken him too soon and as we struggle to understand life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the fullest: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and the soul of every dressing room, the nicest father, husband and dad we could have ever wished for.
Daughter Hayley McQueen – a Sky Sports presenter who has regularly spoken out about the family’s ordeal – said she feels ‘numb’ as she confirmed his passing on social media
A joint statement from the McQueen family said they are struggling to understand life without him
There was applause ahead of Scotland’s game against Georgia on Tuesday
“The family would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their excellent care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team that was there to the end; and Head for Change for emotional support and respite care.
Finally, to our wonderful friends and family, who are a constant source of support, we send our deepest love and gratitude.
“You will always remain in our hearts. Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla.”
His daughter Hayley, a Sky Sports presenter who regularly speaks out about his ordeal and told Mail Sport exclusively about the family’s struggles in March, posted a tribute to her father on social media announcing his tragic passing and said she numbed by the loss.