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Emotional scenes at Celtic Park last night as club hosted terminally ill ex-Rangers player

Fernando Ricksen was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2013.

FORMER RANGERS PLAYER Fernando Ricksen was a guest of Glasgow Celtic at last night’s Europa League game against Ajax.

The 39-year-old has been battling motor neuron disease since 2013.

Before kick-off, the Dutchman – who spent six seasons on the blue side of the city – visited the Jimmy Johnstone statue outside Celtic Park.

The Hoops legend died of MND in 2006.

40,000 people turned up to Ibrox in January for a tribute game in aid of Ricksen but there was something special about seeing him given such a reception at Parkhead.

Ricksen posed for pictures with Ajax boss Frank de Boer and with 11-year-old Jay Beatty, the devout Celtic fan who himself has Down’s Syndrome.

RicksenCeltic

And former Celtic striker John Hartson said it best as he tweeted a photo of him and Ricksen along with a short and sweet message.

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Author
Eoin O'Callaghan
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