Scotland fans fear they will miss game as Tartan Army descends on Stuttgart

HOST city chiefs were last night scrambling to find space for the Tartan Army amid fears thousands will not be able to watch our all-or-nothing Euros decider.

Overcrowding fears grew as it emerged our crucial tie with Hungary will NOT be screened in Stuttgart’s largest fanzone.

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And concerns were rife that event officials have underestimated the number of travelling Scotland fans — with 100,000 set to have arrived before kick-off tomorrow evening.

Bosses revealed the big screen at the city’s 30,000-capacity Schloss Platz will instead show host nation Germany’s clash with Switzerland.

Our fans will be directed to a newly created viewing area at the Stadt Garden plus other smaller meeting points offering a maximum capacity of 25,000.

Last night it emerged yet another event space is being considered to help cope with the crowds.

But concerned fans were worried the numbers don’t stack up and fear they’re being sidelined — despite capturing the hearts of the country with their good-natured partying.

Retired bank manager Gordon Collin, 68, said: “The Scots have been relegated to a minor city park.

“The place is totally inadequate for the number of fans we expect.
“A lot will turn away in disgust.”

His son Craig Collin, 31, who works at Stobo Castle, Peeblesshire, agreed: “It is poor. Stuttgart has badly underestimated the number of Scots.”

Worries grew yesterday as fans noticed the big screen had not yet been erected at Scots’ dedicated park — while there appeared to be scant food and drink options.

Some fans watched Ukraine’s Group E victory over Slovakia at Schloss Platz, which has countless beer and grub outlets.

As Scots enjoyed drinks in the city centre, diehard Dave Short, 65, from Fintry, Dundee, was among many fans furious about the fanzone snub.

He said: “Folk will be coming here from all over the world — and this is the way they are treated.”

His mate, Bruce Elder, 64, from nearby Broughty Ferry, agreed: “Fans will be angry — and rightly so.

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“The German area is what a fan zone should be — with all the eating, drinking and toilet facilities big numbers demand. To put us in a small city park is disgraceful.”

Colin Ritchie, 67, from Musselburgh, East Lothian, added: “The Germans have been amazing hosts.

“If they can make sure everyone can see the game, that would be fantastic. Otherwise they are going to try to ram them in to all these wee places.”

Most local pubs and restaurants are naturally set to show Germany’s match, kicking off at the same time — further limiting Scots’ options.

Our fans were only allocated 10,000 match tickets — although more are expected at the sold-out MHP-Arena, where Steve Clarke’s side are likely to make history by reaching the knockout stages should they win.

It is understood city officials were meeting with tournament organisers Uefa’s staff to explore how overcrowding fears can be tackled.

Events boss Christian Eisenhardt told The Scottish Sun a further area could be reserved for the Tartan Army in a university car park close to the Stadt Garten.

And he insisted the city — with an efficient underground line to carry supporters to the stadium from the city centre — was “prepared”.

He explained: “Yes, we have an interest in showing Germany games.

“But we want to keep visiting fans like the Scots as happy as possible.

“We are prepared. We have been working every day for the past year on Euro 2024. We hope we have a good match and that Scotland can go through to the next round.”

His assurances came after bosses in Cologne created a special fanzone beside the River Rhine where Scots watched Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland — which kept our qualification hopes alive.

We told how civic and tourism leaders have hailed our party-loving fans as the best in the world.

VisitCologne tourism boss Dr Jürgen Amann praised our “exuberant and peaceful” footsoldiers, insisting they deserve a special award.

The Scottish FA and Uefa were contacted for comment.