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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
The Daily Record & Kris Gourlay

East Lothian Rangers fans reunited by chance after 15 years in Seville pub

Two East Lothian men, who grew up together, were reunited after 15 years when they bumped into each other in Seville ahead of Rangers' Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Jake Quinn and Gary Craig grew up as best pals in Dunbar, East Lothian, but life eventually got in the way and the pair lost contact.

Gary, 56, moved to Dublin where he works as a pipefitter, but couldn't believe it when he stumbled across his mate, who he last seen 15 years ago, in the Spanish city.

READ MORE: Rangers fans 'take over' Edinburgh Airport and crowd spills out of Wetherspoon

The Record reports that both Ibrox fans travelled to Seville ahead of Wednesday's all important showdown, and stumbled upon each other in a local bar.

Jake, 55, said: "I came over to Seville on Monday, and was trying to check into the apartment I've rented, but it wasn't going to be ready for another hour.

"I decided I'd go somewhere to get a drink and literally the first bar I walked into, there he was - my friend I haven't seen for almost 20 years!"

Quoting a classic line from movie Casablanca, he quipped: "Of all the pubs in all the towns in the world, I had to walk into his!"

Gary and Jake last saw each other at John Muir Country Park in Dunbar over 15 years ago - but the two pals have picked up right where they left off.

Jake added: "It's like it's been no time at all. I didn't even know Gary was coming.

"We didn't even have each other on Facebook, but we've already fixed that."

Gary, who works with veterans support charity Waterloo Uncovered, added: "I couldn't believe it - this guy walks in and I turn around and go: 'You!'

"We haven't seen each other for so long - and then here we are together again in Seville."

Jake believes he and Gary's "fairytale" reunion is matched only by the Gers' potential for a European victory over Frankfurt on Wednesday night.

Rangers are preparing for one of their biggest ever games on Wednesday night. (The Daily Record)

He opined: "It's important Rangers bring the trophy home. It's unbelievable what we've clawed back in a decade. It's a proper fairytale story."

Rangers take on Eintracht Frankfurt at 8pm UK time.

Around 5,500 Spanish cops and private security officers are keeping the peace in the city this week as 100,000 Rangers supporters and 60,000 Frankfurt followers converge on the south-western city.

For those who haven't been able to get over to Seville to witness the potentially history-making tie, BT Sport has pledged to make the game free to watch via their YouTube channel.

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