The widow of Dundee United legend Frank Kopel will be the guest of honour at Sunday’s League Cup final when fans will show their support for Frank’s Law.
Football fans will urge the Scottish Government to adopt Frank’s Law as the Tangerines clash with league leaders Celtic at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Wearing Frank’s special ‘proud to be an Arab’ scarf, which he wore the last time he stepped on to the pitch at Tannadice, Amanda Kopel said it will be “an emotional day”.
Fans will applaud when the clock marks the third minute of the game, to signify the shirt number Frank used to wear during his playing days with the club.
A banner is also to be unveiled at the game by trustees of the supporters’ charity United for All.
Amanda said: “Frank will be with me on Sunday. I was just going to watch the match on TV but the club persuaded me to come through.
It's League Cup final weekend. Don't miss your eight-page pullout in Saturday's Courier. @dundeeunitedfc @celticfc pic.twitter.com/UtLAMmb5xy
— The Courier (@thecourieruk) March 14, 2015
“It is going to be very emotional watching that banner being unveiled and hearing that applause.
“For that minute let’s hope the majority of the stadium will clap. Frank’s Law is such an important issue and this could happen to anyone’s player.”
She said the whole family have been “overwhelmed” and “humbled” by the support from the fans, club, and wider footballing community for all the support shown.
This is from Amanda. Frankie wearing his P2BAA scarf which he wore to games. Amanda will be wearing it on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7j5mkU3JBd
— Dundee United CT (@dundeeunitedct) March 12, 2015
She said: “The campaign is really gaining momentum but two years is a long time, especially when Frank isn’t here any more.
“I still don’t have any answers from the Scottish Government on Frank’s Law.”
Amanda has been campaigning for years to get a change in the law in Scotland which would allow free personal care for sufferers of dementia, even those under 65, as Frank was.
Frank was diagnosed with the condition in 2009, when he was only 59, and his family had to pay for more and more care as he deteriorated before their eyes. Frank was entitled to free care when he turned 65, but sadly died in April last year just a month after this milestone birthday.
Amanda’s campaign, backed by The Courier, to introduce Frank’s Law has already received backing from Angus and Dundee councils, as well as celebrities Lorraine Kelly and Ricky Ross.
She said: “I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe the reason my husband lost his life to that evil disease is to help others.
“I hope Frank’s Law will be introduced and will help a lot of people in the future.
Our banner for Sunday. pic.twitter.com/YErdCXBjX7
— Dundee United CT (@dundeeunitedct) March 12, 2015
“It is time to deliver on Frank’s Law. I want to say come on Scottish Government, let’s get this done on Sunday.”
She added: “I am looking forward to the game. I have been speaking to Frankie, looking at his photos and telling him ‘get your boys to bring that cup back to Dundee where it belongs’.”