More than 1,200 tickets for next week's European clash between Rangers and Unirea Urziceni of Romania have been donated to the armed forces, it has emerged.
The Glasgow club decided to offer the free seats to soldiers after Unirea opted not to take up their allocation in the away section for the UEFA Champions League Group G tie at Ibrox.
Rangers' gesture is believed to represent the very first time that a British football club has given up an entire section of its stadium for members of the armed forces, with the tickets thought to be worth about £50,000 in total.
"This football club is totally committed to supporting and recognising these brave individuals," commented Rangers chief executive Martin Bain.
He said that the club's fans will give the soldiers "a wonderful and deserved reception when they attend our European tie next Tuesday [October 20th]".
Earlier this week, Bristol City fan Tim Dicks announced plans to run the 126 miles from Ashton Gate to Home Park in Plymouth as a fundraiser for Help the Heroes, the injured soldiers charity.
Written by Tom Jenkins
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
