Supporters have been urged to get behind a Scottish Cup Final tribute to a father of three who died after suffering a stroke while watching his son playing football.
Alex Currie, 39, was a lifelong Hearts supporter and plans have been made to honour him during the game this weekend against Celtic on Saturday.
Fans will applaud on the 39th minute of the match at Hampden Stadium in memory of Mr Currie, who was known to friends as Skippy.
Alex, from Liberton, was watching his 12-year-old son Max playing football for youth side North Merchiston Blacks on April 30 when he suffered a stroke.
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He was rushed to the Western General Hospital, but died two days later after doctors were unable to save him.
At the next game when Max scored a goal he took off his football top to reveal a T-shirt which read: "This one is for you Dad".
A well known football coach at local amateur and youth levels, Alex also married hundreds of Edinburgh couples as an assistant registrar in the city for 24 years.
His wife Gail, 38, son Max and daughters Neve , 16, and Hana , 11, have thrown their support behind the cup final tribute to Alex.
Max is going to the game, and his dad’s friends have made a flag in his honour to wave at Hampden.
Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News his friend Ian Liddle said: “We hope this will be a fitting tribute to Alex, who was a true gentleman and known to so many people through football and his work as a registrar.
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“His passing at just 39 has come as a real shock to all of us who knew him, His son Max will be a the final and we want to ask all fans at the game to show their respect with a minute’s applause on the 39th minute.”
His devastated wife Gail paid tribute to her late husband online in the hours following his death.
She wrote: “Our children, Alex’s family and I are devastated to share that he passed away this evening.
“We will never understand why he has been taken from us but will always be grateful for the times we’ve shared and the wonderful memories we have.
“I know that Alex would be incredibly proud of Neve, Max and Hana for the bravery and strength they’ve shown tonight and will in the days ahead.
“Alex was a one-off and I feel privileged to have been his wife.”
Tributes were paid on social media to Alex who was described as a “lovely guy”.
Paul Greenslade wrote: “Alex you are a true gentleman. I’d like to thank you for the years our family knew you.
“You were a football coach to our son and a positive influence on his life and to everyone who knew you. You will be missed by us all.”
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