A Rangers supporter has died in a road traffic accident in Istanbul ahead of the club’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce.
The tragic incident occurred overnight in the Turkish city where thousands of fans have travelled for Thursday’s last-16 first-leg tie.
Rangers confirmed the devastating news in a statement released on the morning of the match.
The Scottish club expressed their condolences as fans gathered for the 5:45pm kick-off at Fenerbahce’s stadium.
Rangers released a statement after a fan died in Istanbul
PA
Rangers’ statement read: “We are devastated to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters in a road traffic accident overnight in Istanbul.”
“The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
The club confirmed they are “remaining in constant contact with both the Turkish and British authorities over this tragic incident.”
More than 2,000 Rangers fans have made the journey to Turkey for the match.
Fenerbahce also issued a statement expressing their condolences following the tragic news.
The Turkish club said: “We have learned with deep sorrow that a Rangers FC fan who came to Istanbul to support his team in the first match of the UEFA Europa League last 16 round, where Fenerbahçe will host Scottish representative Rangers FC, passed away as a result of a traffic accident.”
“We would like to express our condolences to the family of the deceased fan, the Rangers club and the community.”
A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the situation.
More than 2,000 Rangers fans have travelled to the Fenerbahce match
PA
“We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities,” the spokesperson said.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Europa League fixture taking place this evening.
Rangers had automatically qualified for the last 16 by finishing in the top eight of the league phase.
Fenerbahce reached this stage after defeating Union Saint-Gilloise in the play-off round.
Barry Ferguson will take charge of his first European match as Rangers boss
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Tonight’s match marks Barry Ferguson’s first European fixture as Rangers manager since replacing Philippe Clement, who was sacked last week.
Ferguson, a former club captain, spoke ahead of the match: “It’s a great challenge for myself, but it’s not about me, it’s about Rangers.”
“It’s about my team going and putting a performance on and trying to get a real positive result to take back to Glasgow.”
Rangers currently sit 16 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table.