Football

Scotland fans urged to sing favourite tune to make Cologne locals ‘fall in love’

Published

5 months ago

June 16, 2024

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Scotland fans urged to sing favourite tune to make Cologne locals ‘fall in love’

IT seems just about everything went right for Scotland in Munich – apart from the result.

And it seems not even the 5-1 trouncing from Germany on the opening night of Euro 2024 could stop the Tartan Army from enjoying the party.

The Tartan Army had a blast in Munich despite the resultCredit: Splash

Now they're off to Cologne where they have something in common with the locals — Now they’re off to Cologne where they have something in common with the localsCredit: Getty – Contributor

An estimated 200,000 Scotland fans made the trip to the south Germany city and did their best to drink it dry, making friends along the way with the locals.

The Munich police even took to social media to wish the visitors well, writing: “Many thanks to the Scottish fans who have a created a great atmosphere over the last few days.

“Good luck at the Euros and have a good onward journey.”

That journey has now taken the Tartan Army all the way to Cologne where supporters have begun to gather ahead of the game with Switzerland on Wednesday night.

And as they look to make new friends in a new city, they will soon discover that they already have one thing in common – beyond a mutual love of beer.

The match will take place at the Rhein-Energie Stadion, renamed the Cologne Stadium for these championships.

That’s the home of FC Köln, relegated last month into the 2. Bundesliga after finishing second-bottom of the table.

One of their favourite terracing anthems is ‘Mer stonn zo dir FC Kölle’ which is sung to the tune of Runrig’s Loch Lomond.

And one FC Köln fan pleaded with the Tartan Army to include it in their pre-match repertoire when they march from the city centre out to the stadium for the big game.

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They wrote on X: “If you want Cologne to fall in love with you guys (which I’m sure they will) play “Loch Lomond” during your march.

“It’s the anthem of the local club 1. FC Cologne. See you there!”

Rather than talking high roads and low roads in a race to Scotland, in the Cologne version the fans sing a chorus: “We pledge to you here our loyalty and honour, we stand by you FC Köln, and we walk with you through fire if it must be, remaining always by your side.”