Rangers fan Colin McLaren is mascot at charity Celtic match

Aug 17 2011 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

McLaren

BRAVE Wishaw youngster Colin McLaren shocked his dad when he crossed the Old Firm divide last week.

The 12-year-old Rangers season ticket holder – who suffers who suffers the rare genetic illness adrenaleukodystrophy – was delighted to don the strip of rivals Celtic to be a mascot at a recent charity match.

The Celtic Legends versus Manchester United Legends game at Celtic Park last week was a tribute to former player John Kennedy, whose career was sadly cut short through injury. All proceeds from the well-attended event were generously donated to Oxfam’s East Africa Appeal.

Colin’s dad Grant told the Wishaw Press: “With Colin being such an ardent Rangers fan I never thought I’d see the day when he was wearing the hoops of Celtic!

“However, he was delighted to get the opportunity to be a mascot at the match – once again thanks to Les Hoey – and he had a fantastic time.

“With all the high-profile problems that occurred in the Scottish game last year, I thought it was great that Colin received this opportunity and was delighted to take it.”

The match – which had a sprinkling of non-footballing celebrities such as actor Gerard Butler, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and former boxers Ricky Hatton and Nigel Benn appearing for both teams – was a huge success with more than 55,000 fans turning out to give their support and watch the home team win 5-2.

Former Celtic heroes such as Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton made a return to Scotland, while Roy Keane – who played for both clubs – turned out for the Manchester United Legends.

Grant continued: “Les had organised for three other kids to be mascots as well and following the game we even received passes to the post-match get together, which was excellent.

“Colin met a host of stars including Henrik Larsson, Roy Keane and actor Gerard Butler.”