Fernando Ricksen faces missing his own tribute dinner in Glasgow this weekend after being told he is "too ill to fly".

The former Rangers captain, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013, was stopped from boarding a KLM flight from Valencia to Amsterdam on Thursday.

The 40-year-old was planning to travel from Amsterdam on to Glasgow to attend a black tie event at the Hilton Doubletree on Saturday to raise funds to "support for those with MND and their families".

His publicist Vincent de Vries said KLM staff refused to let the ex-Holland international on to the flight as they believed he was too weak to use his seat belt in an emergency situation.

Mr de Vries said: "He was checking himself in at the desk and was told he couldn't fly.

"He needs a wheelchair to get on the plane and he was told in an emergency he cannot open his own belt.

"One week ago he took the same flight and there was no problem at all. He hasn't change at all in one week.

"He was coming for a black tie event at the Hilton this weekend."

Mr de Vries said Ricksen's condition has not changed dramatically in the last few weeks and they are hoping to speak to KLM about making alternative arrangements.

He said Ricksen is also considering taking a direct flight to Glasgow from Alicante so he can attend the fundraising night this weekend.

He added: "Last week he did the same connection and two weeks ago the same.

"He's especially angry he was told he could not do it. He is very upset.

"If he is really too weak, he would accept that. But at the moment he is strong enough."

STV has contacted KLM for a statement.