RANGERS goalkeeper Jack Butland has paid tribute to tragic fan Thomas McAllister.
Known as Tam, the 25-year old died in Lisbon after falling off a chair in a hotel lobby.
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The father of two had travelled to the Portuguese capital with friends, with Rangers in the city to face Benfica in the Europa League.
But tragedy struck and the Ibrox club announced the devastating news on Friday.
Chief executive 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.
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“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.”
Rangers players also wore black armbands in Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Hibs at Easter Road.
And after the game, goalkeeper Jack Butland paid tribute to tragic fan Thomas.
He shared a picture from the stands showing a flag unfurled by the Rangers supporters.
It shows a Union Jack flag bearing the words “RIP Tam McAllister.”
Butland shared the image as he thanked supporters for the support and wishes for his birthday, which also took place on the day of the game.
Fans commended the goalkeeper for sharing the image in the comments.
One fan said: “Class act, Jack.”
A second added: “Class act posting the Drumchapel Loyal boys’ flag. Tam followed near and far always.”
A third said: “Touch of class Jack.”
Heartbroken pals of Thomas McAllister have raised almost £20,000 for his family.
Andrew Johnston set up a Just Giving page aiming to raise £2,500.
But the response has been overwhelming and eight times that amount has already been raised.
We told previously how police probing the death are reportedly focusing on the theory it was due to natural causes or linked to consumption of a “toxic substance”.
After reports last week, Portuguese cops confirmed that a police investigation was underway.
A spokesman for the Policia Judiciaria said: “I can confirm we are investigating the death of a man at a hotel in Lisbon.
“We are still awaiting the results of an autopsy before we can say more.”
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A source close to the ongoing inquiry added: “Police and other emergency responders were called after the dead man fell off a chair in the lobby of a hotel close to Benfica’s ground.”
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