Rangers fan, 25, dies in Lisbon ‘after falling off chair’ in hotel
A YOUNG father has died after he ‘fell off a chair’ in a hotel during a trip to watch a Rangers match in Portugal.
Tragedy struck just hours after Thomas McAllister, 25, shared a poignant last picture of himself with two friends in Lisbon.
He was pronounced dead following the incident at the hotel close to the stadium where the game against Benfica was played on Thursday.
Police are trying to establish what happened but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
A spokesman for the Policia Judiciaria in Portugal yesterday 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.’
A source close to the inquiry added: ‘Police and other emergency responders were called after the man fell off a chair in the lobby of a hotel close to Benfica’s ground.
‘There is no evidence at this stage to suggest he was pushed or that the death could be crime-related but the investigation is ongoing.
‘There’s nothing more really that can be said at this stage.’
A Foreign Office spokesman last night said :‘ We are providing assistance to the family of a British man who has died in Lisbon, and are in contact with Portuguese authorities.’
News of the tragedy was announced in a statement by Rangers yesterday, with the club offering to provide all the support it can to Mr McAllister’s devastated family. The father of two from Drumchapel, Glasgow, had travelled to Lisbon for Thursday night’s Europa League game.
The club said: ‘It is with profound sadness Rangers FC has been made aware supporter Thomas McAllister passed away in Lisbon following the tie with Benfica.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Thomas’s family and friends.’
Ibrox chief executive James Bisgrove said: ‘I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas’s loved ones, family and his friends.
‘This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard. Nobody should ever go to a football match and not return home.’
He added: ‘The club stands ready to assist Thomas’ family in whichever way we can in the coming days and weeks.’
Tributes soon flooded in on social media from Mr McAllister’s friends.
One wrote: ‘Lost for words. You will be deeply missed. Thinking of your family and beautiful babies, rest easy Tamzo.’
‘No evidence that he was pushed’