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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Celtic come under fire for nature of Shane Warne tribute after cricket legend's death

Celtic have been criticised for their decision to link their tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne with a sponsor.

Warner died at the age of 52 after suffering a suspected heart attack and had partnered with the Scottish giants during the most recent Ashes series.

Together alongside Celtic's Australian boss Ange Postecoglou, the iconic bowler had filmed a series of videos promoting Dafabet, a betting company which Warne was an ambassador for.

In reaction to the news that broke on Friday afternoon, the club released a statement which included Warne wearing a Dafabet t-shirt to fans' dismay.

"Everyone at Celtic Football Club is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Australian cricket legend, Shane Warne, who has passed away at the age of just 52, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Shane’s family at this extremely sad time," it read.

You can share your tribute to Warne by clicking here.

Warne has died at the age of 52 (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

"Ange Postecoglou paid tribute to his fellow countryman and fellow Victorian, someone he always admired and respected for his extraordinary sporting achievements.

"The Celtic manager, who had spoken with Shane Warne, who was also a Dafabet ambassador, during the recent Ashes series held in Australia, said: 'This is absolutely devastating news to lose Shane, particularly at such a relatively young age, and my heart goes out to his whole family.

"We have lost a brilliant man, a phenomenal guy with such personality, energy and spirit and, of course, Australia has lost one of its true sporting icons.

"Indeed. I'm not sure Australia will ever find anyone quite like him again. For me, he was just one of the greatest and an absolute one of a kind.

"I had the pleasure of speaking to Shane a few weeks ago and it was a joy, a real moment for me as someone who respected him so much and it is something I will always treasure.

"Across Australia and, in fact, the whole sporting world, Shane's loss will be deeply felt. Above all, though, the loss to Shane's family will be so difficult to bear and to them I extend my sincere and deepest sympathy'."

Responding to Celtic's statement, one Twitter user said: "Sad to hear about the death of Shane Warne.

Celtic have been criticised for their tribute (PA)

"Almost as sad is the fact Celtic have turned this into a cynical marketing opportunity for their lead sponsor. Sad day indeed."

A similarly scathing reply read: "Using a man's death to promote the gambling company that sponsors us? Youse are some laugh man."

Another took aim at Celtic on the whole by adding: "So many great pictures of this guy, a quick Google search would have done.

"Club jumping from one embarrassing decision to the next with great regularity these days. Complete overhaul needed behind the scenes."

And they were followed by a fellow outraged user, who declared: "This is tacky beyond words. Who on Earth thought this was a good idea?"

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