The continental encounter between Rangers and Benfica ended in a 2-2 draw at the Estadio da Luz, despite the Scottish side twice taking the lead through goals from Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling as an Angel Di Maria penalty and Connor Goldson’s own goal levelled the tie.
McAllister travelled to Portugal to watch his favourite team in action but suffered a tragic death – with the reasons behind the demise yet to be disclosed.
n an official statement, the club confirmed the heartbreaking news, expressing profound sadness over the loss. Rangers FC stated, “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 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”.
McAllister had posted a picture from Lisbon on Facebook just hours before the match. He was fondly known as Tam to friends and was a resident of Drumchapel in north-west Glasgow.
Rangers CEO James Bisgrove said: “On behalf of the club, I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas’ loved ones, family and his friends.
“This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard, as I am sure it will all of our supporters. Nobody should ever go to a football match and not return home. The club stands ready to assist Thomas’ family in whichever way we can in the coming days and weeks.”
Rangers would give their all to progress in the Europa League with a victory in the return leg at Ibrox next Saturday. Before that they have a Scottish Cup quarter-final to deal with against Hibernian on Sunday.