FORMER Glenavon player Tony Scappaticci has died at the age of 48.
The father-of-three, who also played for Newry City and Banbridge Town before his retirement in 2000, died at his home in Banbridge yesterday.
He was part of the Lurgan Blues side which lifted the Irish Cup in 1992.
Glenavon's Twitter account posted yesterday: "It's with great sadness that the club has learned of the passing of former player Tony 'Scappi' Scappaticci".
Scappaticci had trials with Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster before signing with Glenavon and making his debut in the 1988/89 season.
After nine years at the club he moved on to Newry Town where he was named captain.
Kevin Lyons, acting secretary of the club - now Newry City - described Scappaticci as a "lively character who was popular with players and supporters".
"He wasn't the tallest but he was very good in the air, not too much got past him, and he could hold his own against any attacker, he was fearless. It's a sad day," he said.
Players and fans of Newry City and Armagh City will pause for a minute's silence in remembrance of Scappaticci before tonight's promotion play-off at the Showgrounds.
