A minute's silence will be held before Celtic's Champions League qualifying clash with LASK tonight, following the death of a supporter who fell ill during the first leg last week. The tribute was requested by the Austrian side.
The 65-year-old man died after being taken ill inside Celtic Park during last Wednesday's match. Emergency crews, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, responded to a report around 9pm that a man had fallen ill within the stadium. He was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he later died. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
LASK's gesture
Celtic confirmed that LASK initiated the idea for the memorial. A statement from the Scottish champions read: "LASK has contacted Celtic to advise the club that they wish to observe a period of silence prior to tonight’s match to pay tribute to our supporter who fell ill and tragically passed away after last week's first leg match at Celtic Park."
The statement added: "We have informed the family of this and they and everyone at Celtic Football Club is very grateful for this kind and thoughtful gesture. We send our thanks and appreciation to LASK."
Fan tributes
Heartfelt tributes poured in from football fans across the country. Paul Irvine said: "Just hearing some truly sad news about a Celtic fan who took ill at the game. Sadly I've just heard they passed away. No one should go to a game and not get to go home afterwards."
Alice Hendron-Kerr wrote: "Very sad. May he rest in peace condolences to his family and friends. I would like to thank everyone who helped with medical assistance." Jamie O'Kane commented: "Unfortunately I feared the worst, albeit so many fans/stewards/police and medical staff did their very best. Such a sad circumstance and occurrence for the fan and their family and friends."
Match context
The first leg saw Celtic secure a comfortable 3-0 win against LASK in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic Park. Goals from Benjamin Nygren and a Camilo Duran double put the Hoops on the brink of a return to the UEFA Champions League. Manager Martin O'Neill said: "I thought it was a really tough evening. We've won 3-0 but they are a very, very fine talented team. We've got our work cut out still but we've given ourselves a chance, put it that way."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9.05pm on Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 police received a report of a man having taken unwell within Celtic Park, Glasgow. Emergency services attended and a 65-year-old man was conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."
