Rangers FC has paid tribute to one of their fans who died in Lisbon. Thomas McAllister attended an away game in Lisbon for a UEFA Europa League last-16 clash with Benfica on Thursday night (March 7), however the circumstances surrounding his death are still unknown.

In a statement, the club said: “It is with profound sadness Rangers FC has been made aware supporter Thomas McAllister has passed away in Lisbon following last night’s UEFA Europa League tie with Benfica. The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with Thomas’ family and friends, and we will remain in constant contact with both the Portuguese and British authorities over this tragic incident.”

Rangers CEO James Bisgrove commented: “On behalf of the club, I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas’ loved ones, family and his friends. This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard, as I am sure it will all of our supporters. Nobody should ever go to a football match and not return home. The club stands ready to assist Thomas’ family in whichever way we can in the coming days and weeks.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rangers FC employed Ilechukwu after its former Coach, Abdul Maikaba, walked away after the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Orji promised that the Supporters Club will give Ilechukwu all the necessary support he needs to take the club back to the continent and win laurels.

Orji said, “I feel excited and I think this is one of the events I witnessed from Rangers that I am excited about and I believe that Rangers FC will achieve something positive this season.

“We have been solidly behind the coaches the same way we support players both on and off the field of play.

“Ilechukwu’s case will not be different as we are going to support him, believing that he will not have any problem with the club management and players.

“We will always be with him and ensure that all he needs to be happy in Enugu would be given to him to succeed in his new role.

“Rangers FC have been a nice haven for coaches and Coach Abdul Maikaba even confirmed it,” he said.

Orji believes that in a few months time, Rangers FC will be playing their matches in Enugu following the recent move by the state government to renovate the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.