Dutch footballer Fernando Ricksen played for Rangers for six seasons between 2000 and 2006, becoming popular at the club for his abrasive and aggressive style of play. Naturally, he was disliked at Celtic Park for the same reason.
In October 2013, he was diagnosed with the devastating ALS or motor neurone disease. He recently made an emotional return to Ibrox.
This Sunday sees a tribute match take place in aid of Ricksen. And now Celtic Football Club have donated 10,000 towards the match, with proceeds to be split evenly between Ricksen and MND Scotland. Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawell discussed the donation today.
We are pleased to be able to make a donation which will assist both Fernando’s family and MND Scotland.
At Celtic, unfortunately we are all too familiar with MND and its devastating effects. Jimmy Johnstone, the man voted Celtic’s greatest ever player, fought bravely against this illness as did former player John Cushley, someone who gave so many years’ service to the Club.
We would like also to take this opportunity to send our thoughts and best wishes to Fernando and his family.
