Rangers’ warrior unites the divide as Old Firm callers pay respects to tragic Ricksen
SCOTTISH football united in tribute to Fernando Ricksen after the former Rangers star passed away at the age of 43.
Fans from across the spectrum paid their respects as the Dutchman lost his battle against Motor Neurone Disease.
emailed: “On behalf of all Celtic supporters and other fans, our condolences to Fernando’s family. He was Rangers’ best player and was always a thorn in our side.
“He was taken so young but he’s at peace now and as always he will never be forgotten.”
emailed: “I was sorry to hear Fernando had lost his battle with MND and although I’m a Celtic supporter, it’s things like this that should unite all supporters to remember him.
“We also remember others who sadly have passed away and others still fighting against this terrible condition. RIP from this Celtic fan.” emailed: “It’s so sad to see Fernando has passed away but maybe it’s a godsend. That terrible illness MND destroyed a great player and a decent man. RIP.”
said: “I know he was a fantastic player and was so well thought of. It’s very sad and my thoughts are with his family.”
said: “Fernando was one of my favourite ever Rangers players as his commitment to the jersey endeared him to everyone at Ibrox and that is how he’ll be remembered. He fought for his life as he did for every ball and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
said: “It’s tragic someone so young has been taken by this horrible disease and my thoughts are with Fernando’s family and all at Rangers. He has battled this for so long and I hope he’ll now find peace.” said: “It’s a sad day to be a Rangers fan and Fernando’s passing puts so many things into perspective. He was a superb servant to my club and always gave his all so he will be remembered by me as someone who stands tall in the Hall of Fame at Ibrox.”
emailed: “I’m a Celtic supporter who’d like to offer my sincere condolences to Fernando’s family, friends and all at Rangers. He fought this horrible disease with all the courage he played with. RIP Fernando.”
said: “There will always be a place in my heart for Fernando as he had a crazy sense of fun and that marked him down as someone really special during his time at Ibrox. Nobody could argue he didn’t give all he had every time he played for the club and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Rangers fans had their say over the Europa League ambitions of Celtic duo Christopher Jullien and Boli Bolingoli.
emailed: “Beating Rangers does not mean Celtic will go far in Europe. Jullien’s optimism is fine but realism shows Celtic are the poor relations in Europe.”
said: “Of course the Blue Brigade were going to jump up and down over Bolingoli and Jullien’s comments but for regular Alan McGaw to call them disrespectful of other teams really takes the biscuit.
“Since when does having ambition become disrespectful? Every team in the tournament dreams of winning it, including his own, and I guarantee he wouldn’t have it any other way. Every fan wants players in their team who are hungry, ambitious and committed. Maybe Mr McGaw is just green with envy.”
Duncan Morrison, emailed: “Celtic players were very quiet in the run-up to the Rangers game so will these Celtic players please keep their mouths shut when it comes to the Europa League.
“They’re leaving themselves open for ridicule if it all goes pear-shaped. As a Celtic fan, do it on the pitch not in the media.”
said: “I’m sure many Rangers fans would like to see both George Edmundson and Filip Helander given a chance this weekend and have Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic rested.
“Fans want to see how much better, if any, those two are as I was impressed by the pairing, albeit agaist lowly East Fife.”
And finally,
said: “I see the callers are doing forecasts on their respective teams and it’s just five games in and way to early.
“Wait until you play at least 15 games as early last season Hearts were on top of the heap yet finished halfway down.” CALL THE HOTLINE FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk