A RANGERS fan has proven to be an inspiration to the city after he helped out a Celtic supporter who got on the subway which was packed with rival supporters.

Matthew McGovaney, 21, spotted lone Hoops fan Graham Kelly, 27, on the subway when he got on with his brother Brian, 30, and another family member.

The Celtic fan, from Rutherglen, who ended up on the train after missing his supporter's bus, offered Matthew a seat after seeing he was standing on crutches which he was using due to a torn ligament in his ankle. 

READ MORE: View the POSITIVE Old Firm image which has gone viral for showing unity between fans

But Matthew, from Garthamlock, showed more concern for his city rival Graham who was alone in a train full of more than 50 Rangers fans.

Matthew said: "On the way home from the match, we jumped on the subway. There was about 50 Rangers fans who got on the train and just as we got on I noticed a boy sitting with a green jacket and scarf on

"He looked out of place and vulnerable. He offered me a seat."

Matthew declined the offer but later took a seat next to the supporter as the carriage freed up.

He said: "I sat down beside him, spoke to him and asked him if he was OK. I said that we would make sure that he get off okay. There was a few guys singing and a bit of growling towards him but nothing else."

Glasgow Times:
Matthew pictured with his brother Brian

Matthew and his family walked Graham to the city's Cathedral Street which was clear of supporters to help him on the way to the Gallowgate to get his friends. 

On the way, the supporter asked a fellow Hoops fan to take a picture and the image has become a viral hit since it was posted on the social media website Twitter.

Twitter user William McGowan said: "That's true football fans! The minority try to spoil it, but the majority on both sides do their best to stop them for the good of the game."

Graham explained he found himself in that situation because he had been told by a steward that the subway would be clear of Rangers fans.

Graham, who has a season ticket in the North stand at Parkhead, said: "I ended up losing my friend after the game. I only went to the station because a steward told me I would have missed all the Rangers fan if I got the subway.

"I appreciated what Matthew and his family did. I have been speaking to Matthew's brother to tell him how grateful I am. I will take them out for a pint when I get a chance."

Matthew, who is a season ticket holder in the Broomloan stand at Ibrox,  said: "I would never want to be in that situation myself. I wouldn’t even like my family or friends to be in that situation.

"During an Old Firm, everyone has a drink and it can be intimidating. When drinking is going on, that is when violence can happen but we had our wits about us and we made sure the guy was okay."

He added: "I was shocked when I found out the image was online. I got home from the football and there was lots of messages from friends telling me to go on this page or that page. We are on football pages all over Scotland and England.

"There is rivalry across the city which I have grown up with my whole life. But I thought it wouldn't be nice if I was in that situation."