On the weekend of the Old Firm derby, former Rangers footballer Nacho Novo has been warned by police in Belfast that his life is under threat while he is playing for Glentoran FC in the Irish League.
The Belfast Telegraph is reporting that the threat on Novo's life has been declared "low" whereas initially it was "severe". Novo has been given security advice by the PSNI since the threats were issued.
In a statement to the Telegraph, Glentoran FC confirmed that "the PSNI recently reported a threat to the life of one of the club's players" and that the club would "remain vigilant".
Novo, Glentoran chairman Stephen Henderson told The Sun on Sunday, had to miss training sessions to "facilitate his own personal security" - but continued to turn out for the Glens, a move Henderson praised as showing his "deep sense of character".
Novo joined Glentoran in August and netted his first goal in a League Cup defeat to Annagh United but has largely been an underwhelming presence on the field as the Glens languish in 9th place in the Premiership table. In truth, Novo will perhaps turn out to be more of a ceremonial signing after a career as a fan favourite at Rangers. His appearance at a 12th July parade in Belfast earlier this year was widely celebrated by those who remembered him fondly from his days at Ibrox.
