Rangers have released a statement confirming the tragic death of a 25-year-old supporter following the club's 2-2 draw with Benfica in Lisbon.
Thomas McAllister was among the travelling fans who flew to Portugal for Rangers' Europa League round-of-16 game on Thursday.
The club confirmed McAllister had passed away after a "tragic incident" and would be in contact with Portuguese and British authorities.
Rangers said in a statement: "It is with profound sadness Rangers FC has been made aware supporter Thomas McAllister has passed away in Lisbon following last night’s UEFA Europa League tie with Benfica.
Thomas McAllister died in Lisbon after Rangers' game against Benfica
GETTY
"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 over this tragic incident."
Rangers CEO James Bisgrove said: "On behalf of the club, I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas' loved ones, family and his friends.
"This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard, as I am sure it will for all of our supporters.
"Nobody should ever go to a football match and not return home.
"The club stands ready to assist Thomas' family in whatever way we can in the coming days and weeks."
There haven't been any details provided on the circumstances of his death.
Tributes began to flood in for Mr McAllister on Facebook with one comment from Nicolle Fullerton reading: "You've left us all heartbroken, still can't come to terms with this news.
"Watching you grow from that tiny beautiful blonde haired boy to such an amazing daddy to your beautiful kids you made us all proud.
Rangers will remain in contact with Portuguese and British authorities
GETTY
"Tommy tuck, this is a hard one. One as a family we will need to support your mum, your beautiful kids and as a community lost another young life far to soon.
"Sleep tight, going to miss that big smile and laugh of yours."
Mr McAllister had shared an image of himself with two of his friends on Facebook in Lisbon with the caption, "Ma brothers."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
It is with profound sadness Rangers has been made aware supporter Thomas McAllister has passed away in Lisbon following last night’s UEFA Europa League tie with Benfica.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 8, 2024
The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with Thomas’ family and friends,https://t.co/xQmn7teLOa pic.twitter.com/3anCJtO2mK
An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are providing consular assistance to the family of a British man who has died in Lisbon, and are in contact with Portuguese authorities."
Rangers ended up drawing 2-2 with Benfica in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie having taken the lead twice.
An own goal from Conor Goldson in the second half saw the match end in a draw heading into the second leg next week.
