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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Nicholas Keyden

Rangers pay tribute to Celtic legend Billy McNeill's grandson after tragic death of Light Blues fan

Rangers have paid tribute to the grandson of Celtic legend Billy McNeill after the body of the Light Blues fan was found in Amsterdam.

Matthew McCombe vanished last month after travelling to the Dutch city for his 21st birthday celebrations.

On April 1, police in the Netherlands confirmed Matthew's body had been found in a canal in the city.

In a statement on Twitter, the Ibrox club wrote: "All at Rangers FC are terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Rangers Season Ticket holder Matthew McCombe.

"The thoughts of everyone at the football club are with Matthew’s family and friends at this terribly difficult time."

It comes after Celtic paid an emotional tribute to the "fine young man".

Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "The passing of Matthew is devastating news for the entire McNeill family and our thoughts and prayers are very much with all family members at such a very difficult time.

Matthew McCombe was last seen leaving Amsterdam's Novotel (Daily Record)

"We know the search for Matthew has been long and difficult and everyone at the club is hugely saddened that it has concluded in this way, with such a heartbreaking result.

"For such a fine young man to be taken so early in his life is a real tragedy.

"Clearly, we will be here to offer the McNeill family our absolute, heartfelt support."

Amsterdam police confirmed on Wednesday that a body had been found in the water at the Molenkade in Duivendrecht, about four miles south-east of the city.

Matthew McCombe, 21, is the grandson of Celtic legend Billy McNeill (EAST KILBRIDE NEWS)

A police spokesman later confirmed the body was that of the missing Scot.

A statement from police in the Netherlands read: "This morning we found a corpse in the water at the Molenkade in Duivendrecht.

"Our colleagues discovered that this is the missing Matthew McCombe.

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