Heartbroken pals and Rangers fans raise £13,000 for family of Thomas McAllister

Thomas McAllister went away on March 7, shocking the football community with his news.

More than £13,000 has been raised for the family of a teenage Rangers supporter who passed away in Lisbon during the team’s Europa League match against Benfica.

On March 7, Thomas McAllister, sometimes known as Tam, fell off a chair in a hotel and was pronounced dead. The 25-year-old had gone to the Portuguese city with friends in order to cheer on his favourite football team, Ibrox.

The young Drumchapel father of two had taken social media photos with friends just hours before the disaster. He seemed to be in a good mood before his team played to a 2-2 tie.

Since then, close friend Andrew Johnston has organised a fundraising for Tam’s family and expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their kind contributions. Within a day, more than £13,000 was raised.

“No one should go to an away game and not come home,” the page’s post stated.

“So many people have been impacted and touched by Thomas’s passing, and the outpouring of support has been incredible. Continue spreading the word widely. Once again, I appreciate your unwavering support.”

As friends and Rangers supporters were saddened by his unexpected death, tributes to the well-liked Tam have been pouring in.

Lynne McKay, the donor, stated: “My despair at this tragic loss of our young bear knows no bounds – can’t get over it and I send all my love to his family and friends…..he was so happy on his last day it breaks my heart.”

“RIP Thomas, you’ll be missed so much,” Toni Anderson continued.

“Thinking of all his friends, family, and two beautiful babies,” a second well-wisher added. I’m sending my love to everyone through these trying times.”

“Nobody should go to support their team and never return,” remarked Jodie Houston.

Although Tam’s death is under probed by Portuguese authorities, they claim there is no reason for concern. Officials have not yet disclosed the hotel’s name, despite the fact that it is believed that the tragedy occurred during the game.

“I can confirm we are investigating the death of a man at a hotel in Lisbon last night,” a Policia Judiciaria spokeswoman stated on Friday. Before we can comment further, the autopsy results are still pending.

“It is with profound sadness Rangers FC has been made aware supporter Thomas McAllister has passed away in Lisbon following last night’s UEFA Europa League tie with Benfica,” the team said in a prior statement.

“The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with Thomas’ family and friends, and we will remain in constant contact with both the Portuguese and British authorities over this tragic incident.”

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