Rangers have confirmed that one of their supporters has died in Istanbul ahead of their UEFA Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday night.
The Scottish giants, the club of Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers, are due to take on their Turkish opponents after qualifying automatically for the last-16 back in January.
However, the club has received devastating news just hours before the first leg of the knockout tie.
On Thursday morning, Rangers announced that a fan tragically passed overnight after being involved in a ‘road traffic accident’.
A club 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.
“We are remaining in constant contact with both the Turkish and British authorities over this tragic incident.”
Fenerbahce, who have Nigeria defender Bright Osayi-Samuel in their squad, expressed sympathy for Rangers with their own statement that read: “Our condolences to Rangers FC club and community @RangerFC.
“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 Fenerbahce 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.”
The game will be Barry Ferguson’s first European match in charge of Rangers since he replaced Philippe Clement last week.
Ferguson has taken on the role of head coach on an interim basis until the end of the season, and has had a mixed start to his reign.
He led Rangers to a 4-2 comeback win over Kilmarnock last Wednesday, but oversaw a disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Motherwell on Saturday.
Rangers will look to bounce back on Thursday, but face a tricky test against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, who currently sit second in Turkey’s top flight.
MailOnline Sport
