Tributes have been pouring in for a Rangers fan who died in a bus crash on his way to a match on Saturday.
The incident happened at around 1:15pm when the bus, which was on its way to Ibrox Stadium for Rangers’ clash with Partick Thistle, swerved at a roundabout at the Crossroads roundabout near to Bowhouse Prison and overturned on to its side.
Of the 37 passengers on board, not including the driver, 18 were taken to hospital. At the time Police Scotland said three were being treated for serious injuries.
They later confirmed that a 39-year-old man had been pronounced dead and he has now been named as Ryan Baird. He was originally from Northern Ireland, but had been living in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway.
Baird’s cousin, Louise, was one of the first to comment. She wrote on Facebook: “RIP to my incredible cousin Ryan, who sadly passed away in the Rangers bus crash today.
“You were an amazing cousin and you will be sadly missed.
“I am trying to think of all our happy memories that we shared and how you were always there for me no matter what. Thoughts go out to the rest of my family at this time.”
A Rangers statement said the club was “deeply saddened”.
It read: “Rangers Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of a dreadful accident involving a coach carrying supporters to this afternoon’s match at Ibrox.
“Our profound condolences go to the gentleman who has died and our thoughts are with his family. We are also thinking of those who have been injured and taken to hospital.”
https://twitter.com/_ryanrowe/status/782197973094658049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The club’s managing director Stewart Robertson said: “Everyone at the football club and every member of our Rangers family is thinking of all of those caught up in this terrible accident. Clearly this is a deeply distressing time and the Board extend our deepest sympathies and concerns.
“While winning today’s match was of vital importance everything that happened on the pitch between 3pm and 5pm pales into insignificance in light of this awful news.”
Rangers’ rivals Celtic also released their own tribute to Baird.
It read: “In relation to news of today’s accident involving Rangers supporters on their way to the match, everyone at Celtic sends our sincere condolences following the death of a supporter.
“We would like of course to also offer our best wishes to all those involved in this accident.
“We understand a significant number of people have been affected and our thoughts are very much with them at what will be a difficult time for all these supporters and their families.”
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