Tartan Army chief: Fans shouldn't go to London without tickets

A Tartan Army chief has said he agrees with warnings that fans without tickets to see Scotland play England in the Euros should not travel to London.

North of Scotland Tartan Army spokesman Alan Duncan said that he understood the desire to be involved but that the “sensible” thing to do is to cheer on the team from home during the game on Friday, June 18.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said that Scotland fans will not be able to use the traditional Trafalgar Square base, which is instead being used as a socially-distanced fan zone for key workers.

Mr Duncan said: “I may get criticism for saying it, but I agree with what the SFA have said, what Sadiq Khan has said, what the politicians have said.

“If you don’t have a ticket for the game, it’s probably sensible not to travel, but people will. We know they will.”
Alan Duncan, North of Scotland Tartan Army spokesman

“It’s the right thing to do at this moment in time, given what’s going on and the dangers to people’s health. People need to be sensible here and really think long and hard about whether it’s worth that.

“So you are just going to London for the sake of it, just to watch a game in a bar. You can do that at home.”

Due to Covid-19 regulations there are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers in central London, so those without tickets have been told not to travel unless they have pre-arranged a safe place to watch the game in accordance with restrictions.

Mr Duncan asked fellow fans to “do the right thing” and avoid endangering people’s health, but said that he knew there will be those who will travel.

He told STV News: “If you don’t have a ticket for the game, it’s probably sensible not to travel, but people will. We know they will.

“For a lot of guys this is the first major tournament they’ll have ever had the chance to go to, so you can understand the excitement and the anticipation of just being involved, but I think the sensible thing to do is not go without a ticket.”

In May, Glasgow City Council announced there would be a fan zone at Glasgow Green allowing 6000 people to gather.

Health chief Jason Leitch said he was “hopeful” the plan for the European Championships will go ahead despite Scotland facing a third wave of Covid-19.

London’s Metropolitan Police has also urged fans only to visit the city if they have a ticket for the game, warning that there are limited numbers allowed in pubs and bars.

Deputy assistant commissioner Jane Connors said: “We want people to be able to enjoy the Euros 2020 safely and securely.

“However, we are still in a global pandemic and need to observe current government guidelines. Therefore I am urging all fans to only come to London if you have a ticket for the match or fan zones.

“There are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers in central London and there are limited numbers in pubs and bars.

“Policing measures are in place to keep the public safe, prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents.”