Missing Scot Matthew McCombe found dead in Amsterdam Canal
Matthew, grandson of Lisbon Lion Billy McNeil, went missing in Amsterdam last month during a trip for his 21st birthday.
Last updated 1st Apr 2020
The grandson of Celtic FC legend Billy McNeill has been found dead in a canal in the Netherlands.
Matthew McCombe was last seen early in the morning of March 14 near Amstel train station in Amsterdam.
Appeals were made on social media for sightings of the 21-year-old - including from the club his grandfather captained.
But Amsterdam police said on Wednesday that a body had been found in the water at the Molenkade in Duivendrecht, about four miles south-east of the city.
A police spokesman confirmed the body was that of the missing Scot.
He said: "This morning we found a corpse in the water at the Molenkade in Duivendrecht.
"Our colleagues discovered that this is the missing Matthew McCombe.
"We are investigating the cause of death.''
Mr McCombe's mother Paula posted a family statement on Facebook saying their hearts are broken''.
She said: "It is with great sadness that we are announcing our son Matthew McCombe's body was found this morning.
"Matthew was much loved by all and our hearts are broken.
"We would like to thank everyone who has helped in the search for Matthew and for the love, compassion and kindness that has been extended to us since our arrival in Amsterdam.
"As a family we would kindly ask for our privacy to be respected in these sad times.''
Celtic are also paying tribute to Matthew and posted on their social media today: "Everyone at Celtic FC is devastated at the news of the sad passing of Matthew McCombe, grandson of legend Billy McNeil.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matthew's family and friends at this difficult time."