There was a touching moment three minutes into today’s League Cup final when fans of both clubs stood up in the third minute to applaud Frank Kopel.
The former Dundee United defender died recently after a six year battle with vascular dementia and alzheimer that was painful and costly for his wife Amanda and family.
During his final years the Kopel family were paying out £400 a month for council care services with Frank’s Law aimed at providing appropriate care for all families effected by the illness.
3: What an emotional response from both sets of fans for ‘Franks Law’ tribute. #DUFCCFC
— ARABZONE MATCHDAY (@DUFCLive) March 15, 2015
Kopel was a two times winner of the League Cup under Jim McLean in the early eighties with his death highlighting the realities that players from the not so distant past have to endure.
Despite the bad blood between both clubs following Craig Thomson’s handling of last week’s Scottish Cup tie supporters were united in paying their respect for Kopel and the campaign to ensure that families get the government support that they deserve.
Expected from @dundeeunitedfc fans but class from @celticfc supporters for the applause for Frank Kopel there. — Jim Spence (@bbcjimspence) March 15, 2015
Speaking recently about the issue Amanda Kopel said: “I’ve lost my best friend and my soulmate. He was a gentleman who lived for his family. He would have gone to the ends of earth for us.
“He was a humble person. He was actually a shy man underneath but he had a wicked sense of humour and got up to some high jinks.
“At the end it was just Scott and I. I had him in my arms and Scott was holding his hand. It was very peaceful. I would just like to thank all those who have supported Frank, myself and our ?family during this difficult time.”
Lovely gesture by both sets of fans in memory of Frank Kopel
— SPFL Banter *** (@splbanter) March 15, 2015
She added: “I’m going to carry on the fight for free care for others. If they thought I was shouting before I’ll be shouting even louder now. I’ll do it in memory of Frankie.
“It would need a law to be passed and I’d like them to call it ‘Frank’s Law’. I’ve promised Frankie if I have to crawl on my hands and knees for this, I’ll do it. It’s up to the Scottish Government now.”
