Minute's applause for Hibs owner Ron Gordon planned for Viaplay Cup final between Celtic and Rangers

The SPFL has announced that a minute’s applause will take place before the Viaplay Cup final to mark the death of Hibernian owner Ron Gordon.

Hibs announced on Wednesday that Gordon had died at the age of 68, having been treated for cancer over the past year.

Clubs from across the country sent messages of condolences to the Easter Road side, and now Celtic and Rangers will take part in a minute’s applause for the businessman, who was also an SPFL director, before Sunday’s showpiece final at Hampden.

SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie said: “The SPFL Board, our staff and directors of both Rangers and Celtic were very keen to honour Ron’s memory following the news of his sudden passing.

“He was universally admired in the Scottish game and we are sure that both sets of fans will wish to play their part in honouring someone who had Scottish football’s very best interests at heart and who had played a key role in the development of the league in his time as a director.”

Gordon bought the majority shareholding in Hibernian in 2019 and worked to improve the club’s standing as well as taking a central role in moves to improve the Scottish game, notably being part of the group that commissioned an independent study of how to grow revenue for SPFL clubs.

He had written an open letter to fans in early February explaining his recent absence from the club, revealing that he had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Gordon family has stated their ongoing commitment to the club and their desire to follow through on long-term plans at Easter Road.