Brothers in tribute to pal battling cancer

TWO Rangers fans set out on their journey to Seville yesterday afternoon with a touching tribute to a longtime friend. Brothers Ian and David Chisholm are used to attending Europa League matches with Sam Lowe, a fellow Gers fan who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Speaking of their friendship, David said: “Sam is Irish but he came over here when he was 16 and we served our apprenticeships together at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Bishopton.

Ian added: “For the past 25 to 30 years the three of us have always gone to games together.

“Sam was at the Brondby game with us this year but since then his cancer has come back.

“It’s a real shame he’s not with us today.”

Although Sam won’t be able to join the pair for the upcoming final, David and Ian have hatched a plan to make sure he is represented from the stands in more than just spirit.

Accompanying them on their travels is a huge homemade Union Jack banner with the words “Get well soon Sammy boy” and a photo of the trio together in full.

Speaking of the inspiration for the heartfelt gesture, Ian said: “Our tickets are for the second row behind the goal. We’re hoping that if we hold the flag up he’ll be able to see it on the cameras.”

Although they are visibly excited to be attending the Rangers vs Eintracht Frankfurt showdown themselves, the brothers say the trip will centre around sending regular updates to their sorely missed pal.

David said: “We’ve been on the phone to Sam every day because he’s in isolation at the moment.

“We talk a lot about the football and old memories over our trips like the final in 2008.”

Ian added: “We’re flying to Amsterdam tonight and then on to Seville first thing in the morning.

“We’ll be there until Friday and then back to Glasgow on Saturday morning at half ten, just in time to get to Hampden for the Scottish final.

“The flag will be with us the whole time.

“Sam will be back with us himself for the next one.”