Rangers to honour returning heroes

Rangers Football Club will pay tribute to the brave marines of Scots-based 45 Commando who recently returned from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan at Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with Hearts at Ibrox.

Over 50 members of 45 Commando - based in Arbroath - will be introduced to a packed crowd at half-time this weekend and selected members of their unit will also take part in a friendly game with the Club’s Football in the Community team, coached by Rangers legend Mark Hateley, today.

The Marines returned from Helmand Province just a few days ago and Rangers manager Walter Smith was delighted to welcome these brave individuals to the training ground.

He said: "It was a pleasure to meet the Marines at Murray Park today and I have no doubt our supporters will give them a well-deserved reception at Ibrox this weekend.

"Members of the armed forces who serve on the front line for their country are the true heroes in life and it will be an honour for us to welcome them to the Stadium on Sunday afternoon."

Last October, soldiers of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who had also returned from Afghanistan, were given a standing ovation when they attended the Inverness Caledonian Thistle match at Ibrox and the Club made a £7,500 donation to Poppyscotland - a charity that supports Scottish veterans.

Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain says the Club is totally committed to honouring these brave souls who give everything for their country.

He said: "The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders enjoyed their visit to Ibrox earlier this season and it will be a privilege to host 45 Commando Royal Marines at the Stadium on Sunday. Our supporters and everyone at Rangers will, I am sure, give them a wonderful and deserved reception.

"I know these Marines have just returned from a gruelling tour of duty in Helmand Province and several members of their unit were sadly killed or injured in action. It is difficult to imagine the conditions they have had to endure and everyone associated with the Club owes them a debt of gratitude as these brave men are putting their lives on the line for their country."

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris, commanding officer of 45 Commando, added: "I would like to thank Rangers Football Club for inviting so many of the commandos to the Hearts game on Sunday. It is a terrific gesture, and walking out on to the Ibrox pitch in front of 50,000 people is something that the lads are looking forward to.

"45 Commando Group lost some very good friends and colleagues during our tour of duty in Afghanistan, and a number of others have suffered very serious injuries. It is of great comfort to all that their commitment and sacrifice will be recognised in such public circumstances."