Moment Alex Salmond’s death broken live on air to Scotland fans

TRIBUTES were paid to former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond live on air during the Scotland national football team’s match against Croatia.

The political giant and independence stalwart died on Saturday October 12 at the age of 69.

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Salmond was a keen sports fan, with an interest in horse racing and rugby in particular and was also known to travel with the Tartan Army to football matches across the world.

He got right behind the team for Euro 2024 this summer and travelled over to Munich for the tournament.

The former SNP leader was also a passionate supporter of Hearts.

As news began to filter through that Salmond had died, ex-Hearts and Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart announced it live on air for Viaplay, who were covering Croatia vs Scotland in the Nations League.

An independence supporter himself, Stewart said he was “devastated” to learn of Salmond’s passing and remarked that he may even have been planning to attend the game in Zagreb.

He also said he had been in contact with the Alba Party leader recently.

Stewart said: “Seeing the news he was to do a speech in North Macedonia earlier today, I do wonder if he was en route or planning to come to Zagreb and join the Tartan Army, something he did regularly.

“It’s such disappointing news to hear that Alex Salmond, a real leader, has unfortunately passed away.

“I met him last month and he had big ambitions for the future. He still had so much he thought to try and do to move the country forward.

“Devastated to hear of his passing.”

Scotland lost the match 2-1.

Salmond’s death comes almost 20 years to the day since another former FM passed away, Donald Dewar.

He died on October 11 2000 and, remarkably, on that day Scotland also played Croatia.

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