Football
Tartan Army urge Scotland to keep their Euros party going — by beating Hungary
THE Tartan Army have urged Scotland’s footie stars to keep their Euros party going — by beating Hungary tomorrow.
Steve Clarke’s men can also make history by reaching the knock-out stages of a major tourney for the first time — with 100,000 fans flocking to Stuttgart to support them.
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But as the pre-match partying was cranked up, barely a fifth of that number will be able to squeeze into the Stadtgarten fanzone reserved for our fans.
Meanwhile, the 30,000-capacity Schlossplatz will instead screen the host nation’s clash with Switzerland — being staged 94 miles away at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion. Most local bars and restaurants will also be showing the Germany game, meaning Scots who don’t have tickets for the Stuttgart Arena clash risk missing out altogether.
Fanzone organisers defended the snub. Spokesman Jan Kussmaul said: “Imagine this tournament was being played in Scotland.
“Do you think the main square in one of your cities would screen a Germany game instead of a Scotland match?
MORE ON SCOTLAND AT THE EUROS
“I have been overwhelmed to see so many Scotland fans.
“But we’re a small city of half a million people. We just don’t have the space to accommodate two public screenings.” He revealed organisers have commandeered a university car park to increase space for Scots fans .
They could also congregate at the city’s Schlossgarten — once Hungarian match-goers move on from there to the stadium.
Mr Kussmaul added: “It’s not perfect but it’s better than no solution.”
The concerns came as Steve Clarke’s men bid to break their hoodoo and reach the knock-out stages of a major footie tournament for the first time after tomorrow’s 8pm kick-off
Saltire-waving fans belted out their tournament anthem, No Scotland, No Party, and nursed bevvies. A fan in a tartan mini-skirt and dark blue jersey staged a one-woman disco while pals sheltered in ponchos as showers failed to dampen spirits.
Hamish Husband, of the West of Scotland Tartan Army, confirmed chiefs were given ample warning of our strength in numbers.
He said: “It’s disappointing that many of those who have travelled won’t be accommodated in the city.
“The majority of this tournament has been well organised. It’s just a pity to see things break down now.”
Tartan-suited Alex Kane, 59, from Dundee, admitted he was relieved to secure a ticket for the Group A clash — albeit in the Hungary end.
He warned: “There are thousands of fans who would give their right arm to be in my position.
“You are going to have thousands of Scotland and Hungary fans wandering about the streets looking for pubs to watch the game, so it’s a recipe for disaster. I don’t think the fanzone will be big enough for all the Scotland fans.”
Diplomat hails our ‘incredible’ support
BY GRAHAM MANN
GERMANY’S ambassador to the UK led tributes to the Tartan Army — and insisted their impact at Euro 2024 will be remembered forever.
Miguel Berger hailed the the 200,000 party-loving Scots who have won hearts in host cities Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart.
The diplomat beamed: “The Tartan Army has been bringing an incredible atmosphere to Germany.
“Seeing the Scottish fans revelling in Munich and in Cologne will leave an indelible mark on Germany’s collective memory.
“It is wonderful to see so many German and Scottish fans coming together, united by their shared passion for football.
“Moments like these truly capture the essence of such tournaments.”
Our fans first took over Munich’s bustling Marienplatz ahead of a 5-1 defeat to the hosts in a demoralising tournament opener.
They then loyally trekked 350 miles to Cologne where supporters again bonded with locals and Steve Clarke’s side earned a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
They have created such a positive impression that more than 5,700 people within two days have signed a petition calling for an annual Germany v Scotland friendly match.
Fan Max Kirchi, who is behind the move, said: “Look at the pictures of the last few days in Germany — you realise the bond between the two countries and their fans.”
Further fears arose as it emerged the big screen due to broadcast the big match had yet to be installed at Scots fans’ meeting place.
Joey Burns, 36, from Haddington, East Lothian, claimed the authorities weren’t properly prepared.
The Tartan Army diehard, who was set to head to the match with son Harris, 11, plus pal Gary Laing, 39, and his lad Jackson, 10, explained: “We only got tickets at the last minute. If I had come all this way without one and couldn’t see the game I would be gutted. I don’t know if they are fully prepared for how big the Scotland following is going to be.”
Gary added: “If you are the host nation, you’ve got to realise that tens of thousands of people want to watch their countries playing.”
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Dad-of-one Stephen Heggie, 65, from Greenock, reckoned it’s bonkers that the largest fanzone couldn’t show both tonight’s Group A ties.
The college lecturer explained: “There’s two screens in the main fanzones. It’s obvious that if you’ve got two screens, you show both games because the result of each game matters to the other game. It’s just idiotic. I don’t get it.”
Many Tartan Army footsoldiers were desperately still looking for briefs. Retired offshore worker Michael Swan, 61, from Arbroath, said: “I’m trying to get one from a guy I met in Berlin.
“If I can’t get one, I’ll go to a bar or something. But the fanzone situation seems a bit unorganised.”
The dad of two, who forked out £700 for flights and a four-night stay, was taken aback by the crowd concerns after our fans happily partied in fellow host cities Munich and Cologne over the past week.
He said: “There should have been a fanzone for everyone.”
Unemployed Anthony Christie, 37, of Girvan, Ayrshire, agreed: “There has been a lack of preparation.
“Fortunately, I’ve got a ticket. I’m one of the lucky ones.”
Cops boost security over ‘hooligan’ fears
Meanwhile, cops upped security measures with specialist armed units deployed as 20,000 Hungarian fans also arrived in the city.
Their hardcore ultras were deemed high-risk before the tournament. But their 2-0 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart on Wednesday passed without incident.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
And a local police spokesman reassured fans: “We currently have no indication of a specific threat from Hungarian hooligans.”
The Scottish FA said fanzones were the responsibility of host city authorities and tourney chiefs Uefa.
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