Rangers superfan jokes Seville trip could cost his marriage

The Gers super-fan, who has a tattoo of club legend Davie Cooper on his leg opted to fly straight into the Andalusian capital for his club's Europa League final showdown.

While some supporters had the confidence to book their flights way in advance though, others opted to simply stump up for the once-in-a-life-time trip.

And Tam - who requested his second name be stricken from the record in fear of a vengeful wife - from Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire, admits he's fearful of a frosty reception when he returns from Spain.

He said: "We went up to Glasgow, flew into Gatwick and then Gatwick direct into Seville.

“Did I book in advance? No, I paid through the nose! I wouldn’t like to mention how much I paid because I’ll be getting divorced!

"There was just no way I could miss it.

“It’s been quiet so far in the city, but you can see it building up. The Frankfurt fans and the Rangers fans are drinking together, it’s a bit of harmony which is good.”

Mrs Tam may not be delighted when she inspects the current account but she's unlikely to be surprised - her husband proudly displays a tattoo dedicated to the late, great, Davie Cooper.

Tam's Davie Cooper tattoo

The former Scotland international made more than 500 appearances for the Ibrox club, but tragically passed away from a brain heamorrhage aged just 39.

While for Tam the trip may cause trouble at home, for others it's an opportunity to connect with old friends.

Fellow traveller 61-year-old David Mulhearn rounded up pals from across the UK - Edinburgh, Essex and East Kilbride - to head out for the big match.

He told the Glasgow Times: "We travelled on Sunday night down to Gatwick, left the car there, flew down to Madrid, took the train and arrived here on Monday afternoon.

“There were a lot of Rangers supporters about.

“We’d booked accommodation a few weeks before the semi-final on the premise we could cancel it anyway. The travel was a bit more challenging, we booked that a few days after the Leipzig game.

READ MORE: LIVE UPDATES: Glasgow Rangers in Seville ahead of the Europa League Final

Ian Jackson, 60, Essex; Patrick Jamieson, 59 and David Mulhearn, 61, Edinburgh got together for the trip of a lifetime

“It’s very nice, it’s very calm, everyone is taking things nice and easy.”

And that sentiment is echoed by Werner, an Eintracht fan who we spot chatting to some Gers supporters in the fan zone.

In perfect English he explained: "It’s very good, the Glasgow fans are very friendly and it’s a wonderful atmosphere... but Frankfurt will win tomorrow!”

Those sentiments are echoed by Helmut, who is sharing a friendly drink with friends and some Rangers supporters.

He said: "The whole thing has been totally relaxed, you can see we are here sitting in the sun sharing a beer together.

"Of course I want for Frankfurt to win but before and after the game we can share a drink as friends."

It's an atmosphere reflected across the city, as beside a huge replica of the Europa League trophy, a Real Betis fan poses for a selfie in his green and white shirt.

In halting Spanish, a Scotsman asks: "But this trophy, it belongs to Sevilla, no?"

READ MORE: Legendary Rangers players Barca Bears are on their way to Seville

There's a brief pause as this sinks in. Betis and Sevilla are two local, bitter rivals. The latter have won the Europa League on six occasions, their city cousins never.

He laughs, makes an obscene hand gesture and both Germans and Scots laugh right along with him.