'Please never leave!': How Scottish fans won the hearts of Germans at Euro 2024
Scotland crashed out of Euro 2024 but the Tartan Army have made headlines for bringing joy to German cities and forging friendships with the locals. It has been wonderful to see, writes The Local Germany editor and proud Scot Rachel Loxton.
There will be broken hearts in Scotland after the national men's team were eliminated from Euro 2024 thanks to a late goal from Hungary during a tense match in Stuttgart.
But a lot of Germans will be feeling a little sad too - despite their national team topping the group and previously thrashing Scotland 5-1 in the opening game on June 14th.
That's because a beautiful love affair has emerged between locals across Germany and the Tartan Army.
The greatest fans in the world 💙🤍
A reminder that around 𝟰 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 of Scotland's population are in Germany right now 🏴🇩🇪
More than 200,000 fans have travelled over for the #EURO2024 party 😎#GERSCO | #NoScotlandNoParty pic.twitter.com/3IoXsNwaiO
— Football Scotland ⚽️🏴 (@Football_Scot) June 14, 2024
Scotland's games have taken them to Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart. In total, Germany has seen an estimated 200,000 Scots of all ages in the country for the games. In each city, supporters have made their mark.
On social media, many clips have been shared, from fan marches featuring kilts and bagpipes to tender connections.
Start of the #Scotland fan march to the RheinEnergieStadion in Köln 🏴#Euro2024 #Köln #Cologne pic.twitter.com/Q6ZM4WMHHN
— Stuart @ The Euros 🏴🇩🇪 (@StuartKenny) June 20, 2024
One clip of two kilt-clad Scotland supporters sheltering an elderly person with an umbrella in the Cologne rain while sharing a beer went viral and has been dubbed the most 'wholesome moment' of the competition so far.
Scotland fans, we knew we’d love having you here for the Euros.
You’re always welcome 🤝pic.twitter.com/4xaQ5jSCOR
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) June 18, 2024
There has been a lot of laugh out loud silliness too. Who could forget an avalanche of Scots taking over Marienplatz in Munich in the run up to the first match, and the moment where a German reporter looked under the kilt of one fan (that is never advised!).
German reporters really are asking for trouble engaging with sloshed Scotland fans who haven't seen the sun for months#GERSCO #euro2024 https://t.co/3JH9ET1lSX
— Kris Griffiths (@KrisGriffiths) June 14, 2024
All of this has made the Germans fall a bit in love with the Scots (and vice versa).
A small selection of comments on social media posts capture the feeling:
"In 50 years, every German grandad will be able to tell his grandchildren a crazy story about his Scottish friend and how they met in the summer of 2024."
"And we absolutely need you back in the EU!"
"I didn't realise that Germany-Scotland love was what I needed. Please never leave, Scots!"
The Tartan Army takes over Marienplatz in Munich on Friday June 14th ahead of the Germany vs Scotland game. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Stefan Puchner
An article by German news magazine Der Spiegel published on Friday talked of the "Dudel, Jubel, Heiterkeit" (Dudel, cheer and merriment - the German word for bagpipes is Dudelsack) , summing up the blossoming infatuation.
Local Stuttgart bagpipers joining in with the Tartan Army 🎶 pic.twitter.com/MBGMlZRmTI
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 23, 2024
In Cologne, local officials spoke of how much they loved the Tartan Army. "They drink a lot, they have fun, they have a party, they sing a lot, sing together with the Cologne inhabitants, sing together with the Swiss supporters, it was just amazing and perfect," said Sven Stolz, Euro 2024 Cologne project leader.
The mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker, said: "Dear Scots, those have been a wonderful couple of days with you. I could not be a happier mayor. You are always welcome to come back to Cologne!"
Meanwhile, a petition has been set up urging for an annual friendly match between Germany and Scotland.
As a Scot and long-time resident of Germany, it has been wonderful to see these scenes in my adopted country.
Scotland fans doing the slosh in Germany. pic.twitter.com/8cxDtvWMvd
— Scottish Banter (@1scottishbanter) June 22, 2024
Friends and family back home have messaged me throughout the tournament, keeping me up to date on the Scottish media's reports on the Deutsch-Scottish friendship as well as sending viral social media posts.
People in Scotland are seeing Germany in a new light, while those on the ground have got to experience the hospitality.
Further development re: last night
Somebody was kind enough to drop off a couple of beers for us to enjoy after the game!
I love Germany, will definitely be back 👏 https://t.co/03sewM1YVl pic.twitter.com/Nxo0RWfHy0
— Goggsy 🏴 (@GoggsyNineNine) June 20, 2024
It's also been great to see fans from other nations embracing Scotland and our partying. It's made me feel extra proud to be Scottish, especially as a German resident.
🤝 Nothing but respect.
🇭🇺 Hungary fans sing "No Scotland, no party" to Scottish fans leaving the stadium.#BBCFootball #Euro2024 #SCOHUN pic.twitter.com/eHmvCkzkyf
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 23, 2024
Scotland supporters have been genuinely delighted with their hosts and I'm sure that many of them will be back soon to see more of the country. Our Euro stint may be over but this love affair is just getting started.
💔🏴
A fantastic time in Germany comes to a bitter end. Thank you for being such wonderful, warm and outstanding guests, Scotland fans! https://t.co/HBa5lQSj5o
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) June 23, 2024
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There will be broken hearts in Scotland after the national men's team were eliminated from Euro 2024 thanks to a late goal from Hungary during a tense match in Stuttgart.
But a lot of Germans will be feeling a little sad too - despite their national team topping the group and previously thrashing Scotland 5-1 in the opening game on June 14th.
That's because a beautiful love affair has emerged between locals across Germany and the Tartan Army.
The greatest fans in the world 💙🤍
— Football Scotland ⚽️🏴 (@Football_Scot) June 14, 2024
A reminder that around 𝟰 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 of Scotland's population are in Germany right now 🏴🇩🇪
More than 200,000 fans have travelled over for the #EURO2024 party 😎#GERSCO | #NoScotlandNoParty pic.twitter.com/3IoXsNwaiO
Scotland's games have taken them to Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart. In total, Germany has seen an estimated 200,000 Scots of all ages in the country for the games. In each city, supporters have made their mark.
On social media, many clips have been shared, from fan marches featuring kilts and bagpipes to tender connections.
Start of the #Scotland fan march to the RheinEnergieStadion in Köln 🏴#Euro2024 #Köln #Cologne pic.twitter.com/Q6ZM4WMHHN
— Stuart @ The Euros 🏴🇩🇪 (@StuartKenny) June 20, 2024
One clip of two kilt-clad Scotland supporters sheltering an elderly person with an umbrella in the Cologne rain while sharing a beer went viral and has been dubbed the most 'wholesome moment' of the competition so far.
Scotland fans, we knew we’d love having you here for the Euros.
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) June 18, 2024
You’re always welcome 🤝pic.twitter.com/4xaQ5jSCOR
There has been a lot of laugh out loud silliness too. Who could forget an avalanche of Scots taking over Marienplatz in Munich in the run up to the first match, and the moment where a German reporter looked under the kilt of one fan (that is never advised!).
German reporters really are asking for trouble engaging with sloshed Scotland fans who haven't seen the sun for months#GERSCO #euro2024 https://t.co/3JH9ET1lSX
— Kris Griffiths (@KrisGriffiths) June 14, 2024
All of this has made the Germans fall a bit in love with the Scots (and vice versa).
A small selection of comments on social media posts capture the feeling:
"In 50 years, every German grandad will be able to tell his grandchildren a crazy story about his Scottish friend and how they met in the summer of 2024."
"And we absolutely need you back in the EU!"
"I didn't realise that Germany-Scotland love was what I needed. Please never leave, Scots!"
An article by German news magazine Der Spiegel published on Friday talked of the "Dudel, Jubel, Heiterkeit" (Dudel, cheer and merriment - the German word for bagpipes is Dudelsack) , summing up the blossoming infatuation.
Local Stuttgart bagpipers joining in with the Tartan Army 🎶 pic.twitter.com/MBGMlZRmTI
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 23, 2024
In Cologne, local officials spoke of how much they loved the Tartan Army. "They drink a lot, they have fun, they have a party, they sing a lot, sing together with the Cologne inhabitants, sing together with the Swiss supporters, it was just amazing and perfect," said Sven Stolz, Euro 2024 Cologne project leader.
The mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker, said: "Dear Scots, those have been a wonderful couple of days with you. I could not be a happier mayor. You are always welcome to come back to Cologne!"
Meanwhile, a petition has been set up urging for an annual friendly match between Germany and Scotland.
As a Scot and long-time resident of Germany, it has been wonderful to see these scenes in my adopted country.
Scotland fans doing the slosh in Germany. pic.twitter.com/8cxDtvWMvd
— Scottish Banter (@1scottishbanter) June 22, 2024
Friends and family back home have messaged me throughout the tournament, keeping me up to date on the Scottish media's reports on the Deutsch-Scottish friendship as well as sending viral social media posts.
People in Scotland are seeing Germany in a new light, while those on the ground have got to experience the hospitality.
Further development re: last night
— Goggsy 🏴 (@GoggsyNineNine) June 20, 2024
Somebody was kind enough to drop off a couple of beers for us to enjoy after the game!
I love Germany, will definitely be back 👏 https://t.co/03sewM1YVl pic.twitter.com/Nxo0RWfHy0
It's also been great to see fans from other nations embracing Scotland and our partying. It's made me feel extra proud to be Scottish, especially as a German resident.
🤝 Nothing but respect.
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 23, 2024
🇭🇺 Hungary fans sing "No Scotland, no party" to Scottish fans leaving the stadium.#BBCFootball #Euro2024 #SCOHUN pic.twitter.com/eHmvCkzkyf
Scotland supporters have been genuinely delighted with their hosts and I'm sure that many of them will be back soon to see more of the country. Our Euro stint may be over but this love affair is just getting started.
💔🏴
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) June 23, 2024
A fantastic time in Germany comes to a bitter end. Thank you for being such wonderful, warm and outstanding guests, Scotland fans! https://t.co/HBa5lQSj5o
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