Rangers’ arch-rivals Celtic are set to host a charity football match alongside former Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir organised in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The Ibrox club’s support would normally never take any time to single out their Old Firm foes for praise but such a charitable gesture in such an important season deserves commendation.
In a season where Rangers and Celtic fans united in the passing of MND patient and former Gers captain Fernando Ricksen, there’s no reason why both can’t here.
Organised alongside MND patient Doddie Weir, the match will aim to raise funds and awareness of the illness which also claimed the life of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone.
Scottish rugby legend Weir has very much faced the illness head-on in the style of Ricksen, who spent the final years of his life making public appearances to raise awareness of the condition.
The Lions Roar Charity match also comes after the Scottish Football Association banned heading for U11s [Scottish FA] following new research which showed a link between football and degenerative brain conditions.
Fernando Ricksen was given an unbelievable send-off by Rangers fans and they will never forget the way he bravely fought the debilitating illness to the very end.
The former Dutch international himself spoke of the support from both sides of Glasgow during his battle with illness.
Rivalry aside, Celtic deserve credit for using their platform to raise funds and awareness of one of the cruellest illnesses known to mankind.