It would prove only fitting that Rangers’ first game following the tragic death of Fernando Ricksen would be against a Dutch side – Feyenoord.
The light-blues won the Europa League clash 1-0 thanks to a 23rd minute goal by Sheyi Ojo.
The usual red, white and blue sea of the Ibrox support was flooded with orange shirts as fans paid tribute to their Dutch “warrior”.
READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen's friend 'heartbroken' for his girl as funeral fundraiser hits £4k
The footballing world has been in mourning after the 43-year-old’s lengthy battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) came to an end on Wednesday morning.
Around fifty-thousand supporters inside the stadium fell still as a minute’s silence was observed by both sides ahead of the match.
Both Rangers and Feyenoord players wore black armbands.
READ MORE: Rangers stars in Fernando Ricksen tribute as Steven Gerrard's team lay wreath
A large blue banner was held high by a section of the home supporters. It read: “A warrior until the end. Rest easy Fernando.”
Outside the stadium, a large section of ground was completely filled with scarves, flags, football tops and flowers.
Fans stopped in their thousands on their way into the ground to pay their respects to the Ricksen, who helped Rangers win seven trophies during his six-year spell at the club.
READ MORE: Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen died one day before heartbroken wife was due to visit him
Earlier today, manager Steven Gerrard led his side out to pay their own tribute to the Ibrox legend.
Gerrard and captain James Tavernier laid a wreath as the squad observed a private minute’s silence.
A note on the flowers read: “Your fighting spirit knew no bounds.
“We will always remember. From all your friends at Rangers Football Club.”
In a pre-match conference, Gerrard said he hoped to provide a performance Ricksen “would be proud of”.
He said: “The players are more than aware of what has been going on off the pitch and the importance of the match ahead.
“I hope we can give Fernando a performance he would be proud of.
“We know his family will no doubt be watching, it will be an emotional night for them”.
On Wednesday night, Feyenoord boss Jaap Stam also paid tribute, laying flowers outside the ground.
Inside the stadium and the silence ahead of the game was soon drowned out as fans erupted in applause during the second minute - with fans from both home and away rising to honour the Rangers’ number two.
Light-blues striker Alfredo Morelos was almost caught not paying attention to the game as he joined in on the tribute.
A family-friend of Ricksen, Pauline Glen, has also set up a fundraiser to help his wife Veronica and seven-year-old daughter Isabella “in any way they can”.
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