SCOTTISH football will today stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world to honour Nelson Mandela.

Celtic and Motherwell players led the way last night when they joined fans of both clubs in a minute's applause for the anti-apartheid hero who died last night.

And supporters at grounds right across the country are expected to pay their own tribute to the former South African president.

Yesterday, some of the biggest names in sport lined up to pay homage to a who passionately belieived in the power of sport to bring nations and people together.

Muhammad Ali said: "His was a life filled with purpose and hope - hope for himself, his country and the world.

"He made us realise we are our brother's keeper and that our brothers come in all colours."

The iconic former boxer added: "He was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.

"He inspired others to reach for what appeared to be impossible and moved them to break through the barriers that held them hostage mentally, physically, socially and economically.

"He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows.

"Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free."

Tiger Woods said he would never forget the aura Mandela projected to everyone he met.

The world's no.1 golfer said: "He will always be in my heart. I felt his aura when we met, I feel it today and I will feel it forever. He did so much for humanity."

Former England captain David Beckham met Mandela in Johannesburg in 2003.

He said: "My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela's family.

"We have lost a courageous human being. It was an honour to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people."

Another former England great, Sir bobby Charlton, also joined the long list of sporting giants paying tribute.

England's record goalscorer said: "Mr Mandela worked tirelessly all of his life for racial equality and his legacy will live on beyond our lifetime."

Fifa chief Sepp Blatter said of Mandela's impact on football's 2010 World Cup in South Africa: "When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts.

"It was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was 'a dream come true'."

The Premier League also confirmed a minute's applause would be held before all of the top flight matches taking place this weekend.

Sport had been targeted for sanctions during the country's apartheid rule, leading to bans from the Olympic Games and various World Cups, and almost complete isolation by the time Mandela was released from his 27-year prison sentence in 1990.

Mandela said "sport has the power to change the world.

"It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people, in a way that little else does," and his African National Congress saw sport as a way to unite the nation."