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Aidan McCabe
The father of a young Cumbernauld footballer who died suddenly has shared the 'unbelievable' moment Celtic scored as the stadium paid tribute to his son.
Aidan McCabe tragically died last week aged just 17. The former Airdrie FC youth player spent time at a number of clubs in the west of Scotland and was a big Celtic fan.
Previously, his dad Graeme appealed for Hoops supporters to join the family in a minute's applause on the 17th minute in honour of his son in the match against Dundee United.
The tribute included an image of Aidan displayed on the Celtic Park screens as fans applauded in memory of the teenager - and saw Camilo Duran score a goal putting the Bhoys in front, reports the Record.
An emotional Graeme thanked Celtic for the moment that gave his heartbroken family an "unforgettable memory".
(Image: Collect)
He said: "The tribute to my beloved son, Aidan, was perfect and the goal on 17th minute was an unbelievable touch.
"We have thousands of memories of my beautiful boy. But thanks to the club and ultimately my fellow supporters we have been given another unforgettable memory to hold dear to our hearts."
Graeme revealed how Celtic had reached out to the family and invited them to Wednesday night's match in memory of Aidan.
He said: "Late on in the day Celtic FC reached out to us to attend the match on Wednesday night.
"It worked out perfect. Karen, my son Matthew and I were welcomed and given seats and the dignity and care shown to us was humbling.
"To be standing honouring my son, and then to score on the 17th minute, is an overwhelming moment.
"We are all lost for the proper words to describe the roller coaster of emotions we've experienced.
"The kindness, understanding, patience and love extended by the Celtic support was absolutely off the charts.
"Total strangers, dignitaries, people from farther afield, coaches, players, ultras, everyone!"
The Parkhead tribute came days after Aidan's former youth clubs united to honour the teen.
He had spent time at Airdrie FC with their 2009 youth squad, before going on to join Cumbernauld Colts and Rossvale FC.
In a moving gesture, Airdrie Community Club held a minute's applause for their former player before every game involving their age group on Saturday.
Heartfelt photographs showed youngsters, coaches and referees gathered around the centre circle to take part in the emotional tribute to Aidan.
Aidan's grieving mum was left "touched" by the gesture and shared her gratitude for the teams who took the time to remember her son.
She wrote: "That was so touching for the teams to do this, my sincere thanks. He was always always football mad from a tot. Give your kids an extra kiss and cuddle."
The tributes continued across the football community, with a minute's silence held at Harestane AFC 2009's match against Stirling Albion and Third Lanark U19’s clash with Giffnock SC U19s on Saturday. Dullatur Golf Club, where Aidan was a member, also announced that its club flag would be flown at half mast in his memory.
Airdrie FC also paid tribute to the youngster, expressing their sadness at the news of his death and sending their condolences to those closest to him.
Aidan's parents spoke about their son's love of football as they thanked his former club for remembering their beautiful boy.
His mum added: "Thanks Airdrie FC for remembering my beautiful boy. He played many a game at the stadium over the years. There's no words to describe the shock and grief.
"Football was his life, he was a 6 feet 7 inches centre back and was the fittest boy ever. It is just so unfair. I appreciate everyone’s lovely words for my gorgeous boy."