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Peter Davidson

Nicola Sturgeon says Rangers did 'Scotland proud' in Europa League final

Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to Rangers after they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final.

The First Minister congratulated the Ibrox side on getting to the final in Seville and said the team did Scotland proud on the European stage.

During First Ministers Questions at Holyrood the SNP leader said Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side put in a "gutsy performance" in Spain.

She said: "The result last night was heartbreaking for the team and for their many, many fans.

"The achievement of getting to the final was considerable.

"They played extremely well last night, it was a gutsy performance.

"So despite the disappointment I know the team, everybody associated to the team and the many fans in Seville and watching across Scotland will feel today.

"They should also feel extremely proud of their team.

"They did Scottish football and Scotland proud last night and I send them my congratulations for that achievement."

Rangers lost 5-4 on pens to Frankfurt after it finished 1-1 following extra-time.

After the final whistle blew in Seville, politicians from across the political spectrum praised Rangers for their performance as they commiserated with the team.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the players had done "yourselves, your amazing fans and Scotland proud".

He added it had been a "fantastic achievement to get to a major European final", but "it just wasn't to be on a hot night in Seville".

'Cruel way to lose'

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf - a Celtic fan - said the penalty shootout had been a "cruel, cruel way to lose it" but he added that the fans "should be proud of their team getting to the final".

Sports minister Maree Todd said "defeats don't come tougher than that".

She tweeted: "The players will be devastated but there's a lot to be proud of. Brutal way to end a well matched game."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar praised the "tremendous effort by Rangers FC".

He added: "While the loss in the final will hurt, they should be proud of the incredible journey."

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross tweeted: "Well played Rangers FC. Not the result you deserved but you did Scottish football proud this evening."

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