GERMAN city chiefs were set to dish out an AWARD for Scotland’s passionate support – as the travelling Tartan Army was labelled the “best fans in the World” by their hosts.
It was only last Friday that the Bavarian city of Munich was invaded by an estimated 200,000 foot soldiers for the country’s Euros opener against Germany.
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The kilted hordes then travelled north, bringing Cologne to a standstill as they marched together in their thousands ahead of Wednesday’s vital match – led by dozens of pipers.
But already, the travelling fans are being talked about in Germany with the kind of respect normally afforded Nobel Peace Prize winners.
An official in the office of Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said: “Scotland’s fans have been so impressive. We are considering how to acknowledge this.”
Mr Reiter, who recorded a video welcoming Scotland’s fans to the city, told the Scottish Sun: “It was a great honour for Munich to host Scottish fans, with their friendly and engaging nature enriching Munich.
MORE ON SCOTLAND AT THE EUROS
“They have contributed greatly to the successful and joyful start of Euro 2024 with their extremely positive and peaceful atmosphere.
“The song ‘No Scotland, no party’ will resonate in Munich for a long time to come.”
Meanwhile, Dr Jürgen Amann, CEO of VisitCologne (VisitKöln) added: “We imagine there should be an award for the most powerful vocal support at the Euros, and Scottish fans would have an amazing chance to win it.
“Scottish fans won the hearts of the people of Cologne. Scotland can be proud of its supporters, creating an exuberant and peaceful celebratory atmosphere.
“We will remember the Tartan Army for a long time to come: No Scotland, no party!”
Sven Stolz, UEFA Euro 2024 project leader for Cologne, said: “It was a fantastic time and still is a fantastic time as we see many Scottish supporters still in the Alter Markt here in the old town. It was an incredible atmosphere the past few days.
“So many Scottish supporters were singing and having a lot of fun. Although the weather warning meant we had to close all the fan zones and cancel all the events, they still went on partying.
“It’s amazing to see how they behave, it’s friendly and a dream for us. We’re really happy to have them here.
“It’s like the locals are making new friends and I got so much good feedback from Scottish supporters in Cologne. We hope they come back in the round of 16.”
And a City of Cologne spokesperson said: “We are very happy that we were able to host the Scottish fans in Cologne.
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“The tens of thousands of fans created an incredible and unique atmosphere in Cologne over several days. The many encounters between the Cologne people and the Scots, the singing fans in the city and in the pubs created many special moments.
“It’s great to see how much fun they all have in Cologne. We would of course be delighted if Scotland and their great fans were to come back for a possible round of 16 match.”
European football’s governing body is in discussions about which fans to award for their behaviour at the Euros, with Scotland thought to be at the top of their list.
UEFA awarded Ireland fans as the best supporters for showing “pride, passion and respect” after both Euro 2016 and Euro 2012, with no award made at Euro 2020 as many games had few fans due to Covid.
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A source at UEFA, keen to promote positivity among fans, asked about the Euro 2024 fan awards, said: “The logistics are discussed afterwards.”
Elsewhere, German media has been heaping praise on Scotland’s travelling support across television screens and front pages.
News website Blick carried a major piece on the history of the Tartan Army under the headline “The history of the friendliest army in the world.”
Local Newspaper the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger said simply “We love you Scots” and devoted all of page 3 to stories and images of their visit to North Rhein Westphalia.
The headline read, in English: “No Scotland, No Party”.
Scotland fans ‘are always welcome’
TV station NTV were just as gushing in their praise.
They said: “The ‘Tartan Army’ is famous. She has a powerful voice, a beer spirit – and also has a heart for other people.
“This is extremely well received in the city where people also celebrate charity and solidarity.
“It is images like these that overshadow the other, less beautiful ones, such as hooligan brawls in Gelsenkirchen or the downhill chaos.
“The Scots are emblematic of an ideal type of fan, especially at a tournament like the European Championships.
“In a good mood, constantly singing, quick to make small talk, little to no aggression. That’s exactly how it should be.”
“The Scots are emblematic of an ideal type of fan, especially at a tournament like the European Championships.”
NTV
One incident highlighted by local media during a storm in Cologne on Tuesday captured the hearts of people all over the country.
An elderly person was crossing a square in the downpour, pushing a trolley. Two kilted Scots escorted the old person through the rain, one holding a brolly above their head.
The FC Köln international account shared the scene and commented: “Scotland fans, we knew we would love having you here at the Euros. You are always welcome.”
West of Scotland Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband said fans should now receive a government award for either exports or tourism.
“You are always welcome.”
FC Köln to the Tartan Army
He said: “Some fans have not stopped at helping old ladies across the road here – they’ve started kissing babies as well.
“I used to live in Germany, so I’ve always known the affection in which we are held.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“It’s something to do with the kilt, the tartan and the bagpipes. Now add exceptional behaviour and we have one major international love-in.”
Yesterday, thousands of fans began making their way 233 miles south to Stuttgart for Sunday’s final Group A match with Hungary where a win would likely see Steve Clarke’s side make history by progressing out of the group stages.