# Rangers fan dies in Istanbul traffic accident before Europa League game

A Rangers supporter has died in a road traffic accident in Istanbul before the team’s Europa League last-16 game with  at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

The Ibrox club announced the news in a statement on Thursday morning. “We are devastated to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters in a road traffic accident overnight in Istanbul,” it read. “The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We are remaining in constant contact with both the Turkish and British authorities over this tragic incident.”

More than 2,000 visiting fans have made the journey to Turkey to watch their team take on José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side on Thursday evening.

Fenerbahce expressed their “condolences to  FC and the community”, and both teams will wear black armbands during the match as a mark of respect.

A statement from the Gers’ hosts, translated from Turkish, read: “We have learned with deep sorrow that a Rangers FC fan who came to Istanbul to support his team in the first match of the UEFA Europa League last 16 round, where Fenerbahce will host Scottish representative Rangers FC, passed away as a result of a traffic accident.

“We would like to express our condolences to the family of the deceased fan, the Rangers club and the community.”

A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson added: “We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities.”
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