Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen broke down in tears as he was welcomed on the pitch ahead of today's game at Ibrox. 

The former Rangers star who suffers from motor neurone disease received a standing ovation as he appeared at the game against Hamilton Accies as a guest of honour.

Fans also arose during the 2nd minute of the game (Ricksen's shirt number) for an emotional minutes applause to honour the ex-player.

A banner which read 'no surrender Fernando Ricksen' was created by fans to pay tribute to the Dutchman.

Distraught football enthusiasts also took to social media to applaud the brave man and condemn the horrible disease. 

Ricksen, who played almost 200 times for Rangers between 2000 and 2006, was diagnosed three years ago with amytrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of the illness.

As reported by the Evening Times, the Dutchman admitted earlier this month that his health is deteriorating rapidly and he has lost the ability to perform many basic functions. The terminal disease has also badly affected his speech.