The football community is in mourning following the peaceful passing of lifelong Rangers supporter James Scrimgeour in Porto, Portugal. The tragic news emerged just hours before the Glasgow club's final Europa League match of the season on Thursday evening.
A Peaceful Passing Far From Home
James Scrimgeour, who had travelled to Portugal to support his beloved team, died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes. The devastating news was confirmed through heartfelt social media tributes from friends and fellow supporters, painting a picture of a dedicated fan who lived for following Rangers across Europe.
Club's Official Response and Support
Rangers Football Club issued an official statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of one of their supporters. A club spokesperson confirmed they are liaising with both Portuguese and British authorities following the tragic incident.
The 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."
Heartfelt Tributes From Across Football
Tributes have flooded in from across the football community, with friends remembering James as "a lovely gentle man, who loved his team." The emotional outpouring extended beyond Rangers supporters, with fans from rival clubs including Celtic and Partick Thistle offering their condolences.
Senga O'Connor, a fellow supporter, expressed particular sadness that James didn't get to see what would have been Rangers' final European match of the campaign. "Gutted he never saw us lift the trophy one last time," she lamented, adding that he would be "sorely missed from our club, and as our friend."
European Campaign Context
The tragic news comes at the end of Rangers' Europa League campaign, which saw the team travel to multiple European destinations including Austria, Norway and Hungary. Despite securing their first European victory under manager Danny Rohl last week against Ludogorets, the Glasgow side had already been eliminated from the competition before their trip to Portugal.
Their final match against Porto ended in a 3-1 defeat, though the result was overshadowed by the sad news circulating among the travelling support. The match at Estadio do Dragao became a poignant occasion for reflection rather than celebration of football.
A Community United in Grief
Social media tributes continued to pour in throughout Thursday evening and Friday morning, with Elizabeth Park describing the news as "absolutely heartbreaking beyond belief." Thomas Colquhoun added a touching sentiment: "Up in heaven, with the angels - you'll be singing follow follow for the Rangers that you loved."
Even in their own grief, Rangers fans noted with appreciation the respectful messages from supporters of rival clubs, demonstrating how football communities can come together in times of tragedy.
The club has assured supporters that they will continue to support James Scrimgeour's family during this difficult period, maintaining contact with relevant authorities as necessary. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the deep emotional connections that bind football supporters to their clubs, connections that transcend national borders and match results.
