James Scrimgeour passed away overnight from natural causes after travelling to Portugal to watch his beloved team.
23:07, 29 Jan 2026Updated 23:18, 29 Jan 2026
Tributes have been paid to James Scrimgeour(Image: Facebook)
A Rangers fan who died in his sleep ahead of the club’s Europa League clash with Porto has been named locally.
James Scrimgeour passed away overnight from natural causes after travelling to Portugal to watch his beloved team.
Earlier tonight Rangers bosses said they were “extremely saddened” by the news.
Tributes have since flooded in and James has been described as “a lovely gentle man, who loved his team”.
In a post on Facebook, Tony Smeaton wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we would like to inform family and friends that James Scrimgeour passed away peacefully in his sleep in Portugal last night.
“He was in Portugal following his life long love of Glasgow Rangers FC. Unfortunately passing before he could watch them tonight. RIP Jim.”
The Estadio do Dragao pictured ahead of the clash between Porto and Rangers (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Supporters have been left devastated following the news and tributes quickly flooded in from the footballing world.
Senga O’connor said: “Gutted he never saw us lift the trophy one last time. A lovely gentle man, who loved his team. will be sorely missed from our club, and as our friend. Rest east big fella. Forever red white and blue.”
Elizabeth Park wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking beyond belief.”
Thomas Colquhoun said: “Up in heaven, with the angels – you’ll be singing follow follow for the Rangers that you loved.”
Partick Thistle fan John Smith said: “Condolences to family and friends rest easy Teddy Bear from a Jags fan.”
And rival supporter Mick Carr added: “Sorry to hear this, from a Celtic fan. RIEP.”
Rangers said they would be liaising with both the Portuguese and British authorities following James’ death as they offered their condolences to his heartbroken family.
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A Rangers FC spokesperson said: “Everyone at Rangers is extremely saddened to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters overnight in Porto from natural causes.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and we are liaising with both the Portuguese and British authorities.”
Rangers fans had flown out to the Portuguese city ahead of their final Europa League match of the season.
The Glasgow side had already been eliminated from the league phase, despite a first win of the campaign over Ludogorets last week.
The home win last Thursday was Danny Rohl’s first European victory since taking over in October.
Rangers have also had trips to Sturm Graz in Austria, Brann in Norway and Ferencvaros in Hungary this term.
Despite an early goal from Djeidi Gassama, the Ibrox outfit went on to lose the game 3-1.