Lord of the Dance
Former Celtic player treated for hypothermia after late-night rescue from Glasgow river
Sport

Former Celtic player treated for hypothermia after late-night rescue from Glasgow river

FORMER Celtic player Gary Mackay-Steven has been treated for hypothermia after being rescued from a river.

The winger, who spent two years at Celtic before transferring to Aberdeen this summer, was rescued from the River Kelvin in Glasgow in the early hours of Sunday morning.

While it is not known how the player came to be in the water, the club has confirmed that Mackay-Steven was involved in the incident.

“The club can confirm Gary Mackay-Steven was involved in an incident in the River Kelvin on Sunday morning,” a club statement read.

“He was treated for hypothermia but is now at home and recovering well.

“On behalf of Gary, the club extends its thanks to the emergency services involved.

“The club will not be commenting further on the matter.”

Aberdeen were in Glasgow on Saturday to face Partick Thistle, a game they won 4-3, with Mackay-Steven an unused substitute.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Services confirmed they had attended the scene near the Benalder Bridge in Glasgow’s West End.

A spokesman said: "Four appliances attended and specialist water rescue crews safely assisted the individual out of the water – he was then transferred into the care of paramedics after suffering the effects of hypothermia.

"Firefighters ensured the area was safe before leaving the scene."

Police Scotland said a man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

A force spokeswoman said: “Around 2.40am on Sunday, 27 August, police received a report of a 26-year-old male in the River Kelvin, Partick.

“Emergency services attended and a full search of the area was carried out with the male being located.

“He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”

Mackay-Steven and then Dundee United teammate Stuart Armstrong moved to Celtic on February 2, 2015 – transfer deadline day.

He scored on his Celtic debut against Partick Thistle and was a regular under manager Ronny Deila, but made only 10 appearances last season after Brendan Rogers took over.

He has made three appearances for Aberdeen since joining in July.