Shaun Maloney provided daily support to a Celtic supporter who suffered a brain bleed after being assaulted outside Ibrox.

Bruce Craik was attacked following Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Rangers in March.

The 48-year-old had been helping fellow Hoops supporters board a bus when he was targeted by a group outside the stadium.

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Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that he was punched and kicked after sectarian abuse was directed towards him.

Mr Craik was knocked unconscious and required hospital treatment for a brain bleed and injuries to his head and eye.

Ben Stanex, Andrew Graham and Scott Dragsness have now admitted their involvement in the assault.

Sentencing has been deferred and their bail was revoked following the hearing. [Scottish Sun]

Amid the horrific circumstances, Maloney made a point of supporting Mr Craik throughout his recovery.

The Celtic coach reportedly sent him a message every day while he was in hospital.

Maloney later invited him to Lennoxtown, where he was given the opportunity to meet members of the Celtic squad, including James Forrest.

It was a private and compassionate gesture from Maloney during an extremely difficult period for the supporter and his family.

The attack took place after a match already marred by ugly scenes inside Ibrox, with supporters entering the pitch and clashes breaking out following Celtic’s penalty-shootout victory.