Fans applaud as ex-Rangers player Ricksen's coffin passes Ibrox

Rangers fans have been paying their respects to ex-player Fernando Ricksen whose funeral has taken place in Glasgow.

The Dutch international died last week at the age of 43 after battling motor neurone disease since 2013.

To the sounds of applause and bagpipe music, the cortege made its way to Ibrox Stadium where it stopped briefly.

A service then took place at Wellington Church before a private, family cremation was held at Linn Crematorium.

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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard led the current Ibrox team at the church service.

A number of Ricksen's former Rangers teammates, including Tore Andre Flo, Nacho Novo, Neil McCann and Peter Lovenkrands, arrived at the church together.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who came up against Ricksen in his playing days, represented the Parkhead club.

Ex-Ibrox stars Nacho Novo, Michael Mols and Thomas Buffel were among the pallbearers

Ricksen's widow Veronika and other family and friends wore football shirts with her husband's name on the back and the number two which he wore for much of his career.

The Dutchman was a fans' favourite during his six-year spell at Rangers after being signed by Dick Advocaat in 2000.

Fernando Ricksen was captain as Rangers won the Scottish Premier League in 2005

He helped the club win the domestic cup double in 2002, the treble in 2003 and was captain for a trophy double in 2005.

In a statement released through Rangers, the player's family said they "would like to thank everyone who has paid their respects to Fernando over the last week".

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard joined mourners at the church service

Former Rangers team-mates Steven Thompson and Billy Dodds arrive at the church

The statement added: "It has been a source of comfort at a very difficult time."

Only family flowers are requested at Wellington Church.

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier, left, and manager Neil Lennon represented the Parkhead club

Rangers fan Stefan Souttar was among the crowds outside Ibrox.

He said: "You see all the different clubs here (among the tributes). I've seen a Villarreal scarf and all the Celtic tops.

"It just shows he was a well-liked guy. Even though there's the Rangers and Celtic rivalry, they still come together for respect."

After diagnosis in 2013, Ricksen spent his years battling motor neurone disease and campaigning and raising money to find a cure for the debilitating condition, which affects the nerves and causes weakness over time.

His charity has raised over £1m in a bid to help scientists with research. Speaking to ITV News in June, when he used eye movements to talk via a computer, Ricksen urged those in sport to do more to help pressure drugs companies to find a cure.

Fernando Ricksen's widow Veronika is comforted by friends and family

"The sports world could put more pressure on the pharmaceutical companies," he said. "This disease is not lucrative enough so it has no priority.

"If tomorrow an MND epidemic came we would have a cure within a week. It's disgusting but a reality."