A RANGERS player wrongly blamed for one of Scottish football’s most tragic accidents is to be honoured in a hall of fame.
Striker Sam English quit football aged 28 after a fateful tackle killed Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson in 1931.
An official enquiry cleared English of any blame, but he was routinely booed by opposing fans and released by the Gers within a year.
But he still holds the record as Rangers’ top league goalscorer with 44 goals in 35 games.
Next month, after a campaign by his family, he is to be inducted to the Ibrox Hall of Fame.
The Londonderry-born goal machine will be recognised for his 60-game spell with the club, in which he netted 54 times.
Thomson’s death made front-page news across the country following a tackle from English during an Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
The 22 year-old Celtic goalkeeper had a reputation for bravery, diving at the feet of attackers.
But his skull fractured in a collision with English’s knee as he attempted to smother the ball.
He was rushed to the Victoria Infirmary but died of his injury that night.
Two years ago Thomson was inducted into the SFA Hall of Fame after a campaign supported by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Now English, who died aged 58 from motor neurone disease, will also get a posthumous honour.
A Rangers FC spokesperson confirmed: “Sam is being recognised for his remarkable scoring record, which stands to this day.
“A member of his family will attend the Hall of Fame dinner next month and accept the award on his behalf.”
Glasgow’s Hilton hotel will host the ceremony on February 28.
