In an arena normally reserved for heroes of the sporting variety, 300 Servicemen and women from across the Armed Forces were hailed by 48,000 fellow countryfolk as Glasgow Rangers paid tribute to the nation’s military.
Back in the Scottish Premier League after a four-year absence, the world-famous club showed their support for the troops by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The club, long-time supporters of the Services, cemented their commitment to the military by putting its name to the covenant ahead of their home clash with Ross County (a 0-0 stalemate as it turned out).
Members of the RAF Regiment abseiled from the roof of the Govan Stand to present the match ball while Megan Adams, the daughter of Lieutenant Commander Billy Adams, performed a rousing acoustic version of Still The One.
At half-time, the Band of HM Royal Marines performed on the hallowed Ibrox turf, joined by 12 representatives from each of the three Forces – all to a standing ovation from a 48,000-strong capacity crowd, as the public address system declared:
“The club is proud to be able to recognise the sterling work of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF and we are honoured to be able to show our appreciation for those who are the true heroes in life.”
Rangers helps veterans into employment, backs Service charities and gets involved in community projects which target serving and veteran personnel and their families.
Serving members of the Armed Forces who present their military ID at the ticket centre will now receive 25 per cent off tickets for home fixtures (subject to availability).
The covenant was signed on what ’gers termed Armed Services Day, with collection buckets taking fans’ donations on behalf of the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Armed Forces Partnership, Erskine, PoppyScotland, Combat Stress and The Rifles Regimental Trust’s Care for Casualties appeal.
A donation of £1 from every matchday programme sold also went into the buckets.
