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Sir Rod Stewart makes donation to fund for killed Rangers fan Ryan Baird

Ryan Baird from Co Antrim. PIcture by Justin Kernoghan
Ryan Baird from Co Antrim. PIcture by Justin Kernoghan Ryan Baird from Co Antrim. PIcture by Justin Kernoghan

SIR Rod Stewart has donated cash to a fund set up in memory of a Rangers fan who died in a bus crash at the weekend.

Sir Rod – a Celtic supporter – contributed to the fundraising drive for Ryan Baird after getting in touch with former Rangers captain Richard Gough.

Mr Baird (39), who was originally from Co Antrim, died after the Nith Valley loyal Rangers supporters' club bus he was travelling on crashed at Crossroads roundabout on the A76 near to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The fans were travelling to see Rangers play Partick Thistle at Ibrox Stadium when the accident happened at about 1.15pm.

Mr Gough told the Evening Times: "As soon as it happened Rod got in touch with me and said as soon as a fund was set up I was to let him know. Which I did.

"He made a contribution, which is fantastic, which I have thanked him for. He is a good man."

In Sir Rod's message to Mr Gough, he said: "At sad times like this we are one big football loving family. RS(Celtic)."

The accident left 18 other people in hospital.

Mr Baird had been living in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway.

His cousin, Louise Evanne Baird, said he was ''amazing'' and would be ''sadly missed''.

His partner, Sarah Hughes, also paid tribute to him, saying he had loved the club.

Meanwhile, Rangers players have visited injured fans in hospital.

The supporters' club thanked Rangers for all their support and said managing director Stewart Robertson, manager Mark Warburton, assistant manager David Weir and players had met with supporters at their base on Tuesday.

They said four first-team players have also visited the two fans who are still in hospital.

The supporters' club said in a statement: "These visits have been valuable in helping our members, especially the youngsters, start to come to terms with what has happened.

"Rangers directors have been in touch with us and the family daily. The Nith Valley loyal and our community will never forget what they've done for us."

Police said inquiries into the crash continue.