This scene unfolds events surrounding the European Football Championship in Scotland
In the midst of a jubilant atmosphere, the Scots celebrated fervently against Germany during the Football European Championship, despite the stadium commotion. They're a beloved squad, with the "Tartan Army" - known for its boisterous spirit, love for beer, and kindness - taking over Cologne.
A moment that captured hearts during the wet Tuesday in the Cologne Old Town, where thousands gathered for the group match against Switzerland, stood out. The fan zones had been closed due to the stormy weather, but the festive Scots refused to be deterred.
They continued their celebration from Munich, drinking Cologne beer instead of White Beer, singing their popular tunes such as "No Scotland, no Party" and "Scotland on fire." The football enthusiasts from the island even commandeered a boat on the Rhine, sailed along the river, and partied boisterously. They even managed to lift the city's spirits to new heights.
An Elderly Lady and an Umbrella
A scene unfolded that could potentially become timeless. A testament to a great football celebration. A moment where the empty marketing slogans of the associations come to life with meaning. United in Europe. Or at least united in the downpour.
Two Scottish fans, wearing kilts and holding beer, helped an elderly woman with a walker navigating the heavy rain in the crowded Old Market. They held the umbrella for the Senior. A multitasking act in true Scottish style. A video of the scene went viral on the internet. The "Cologne City Anzeiger" wrote "We love you Scots." The official account of 1. FC Cologne shared the scene and commented: "Scottish fans, we knew we would love you here at the Euro. You're always welcome."
The Scottish revelry met the Rhineland's spirit of camaraderie. It's a match. In the city that celebrates love and solidarity, it fits perfectly. Such images overshadow less pleasant ones, like hooligan fights in Gelsenkirchen or travel chaos. The Scots represent an ideal fan type. Especially at a tournament like the EM. Ambassadorial, cheerful, quick-witted, with little aggression. Just as it should be.
Praise for the Police for the Scots
On Tuesday, they had quickly spread throughout the Cologne hotspots - in spite of the adverse weather. At the main station, arriving passengers suddenly noticed more and more Scottish caps. Even the incoming Swiss fans had nothing but praise. "They're great, completely peaceful," said Swiss fans from St. Gallen in a conversation with ntv.de. Some of the Tartan Army ventured as far as Dortmund, while others stayed in the city, enjoying more Cologne beer and singing.
Peaceful it remained in the city in the evening, as confirmed by a police spokesperson in a conversation with ntv.de. For the umbrella scene, praise is given to the officers. "This demonstrates that living together is written in capital letters, and here, the two Scottish fans have exemplified respectful coexistence," said a police spokesperson.
Now, the Tartan Army prepares to write the next chapter on this Wednesday. Most Scots are already up and about early in the morning. For them, the EM is more of a marathon than a sprint. They gather at the Heumarkt, the old market, the spots along the Rhine, many with beers in hand, others still making sightseeing. Fresh Cologne is being sold from the kiosks. Many cheerful faces are visible. The police expect several tens of thousands of Scottish fans in Cologne.
Three hours before kick-off, the Tartan Army marches towards the EM-Arena as a fan march. There, the party will continue, even if the Scots stumble again on the field, as they did in their opening match against Germany. It will be a long night. More Scotland, more Party.
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