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    Scotland fans’ ‘touch of class’ spotted as they help elderly man in walking frame during rain storm washout in Cologne

    IT take a lot to dampen the spirits of the Tartan Army.And no amount of torrential rain could harm their good nature either.Two Scotland fans gave an elderly local gentleman some assistance during the stormsThe Scotland fans performed a mass exodus from Munich over the last few days after Friday’s 5-1 loss to Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024.Next up for Steve Clarke’s men is Switzerland, with the crucial must-not-lose clash taking place in the city of Cologne tomorrow night.Despite thunderstorms creating chaos in the fan zones, the thousands of travelling supporters have been in party mode.Some even took over one of the city’s most famous landmarks.A few famous faces have been spotted enjoying the atmosphere too.Today as the rain poured down, there was time for a heartfelt moment that showed why the Tartan Army is so popular.Video footage has emerged on social media of two Scotland supporters lending a helping hand to an older gentleman, believed to be a local, as he made his way across the busy square.Two men in kilts and Scotland tops walked alongside the pensioner and held an umbrella above his head to keep him dry, as the “No Scotland, No Party” chant could be heard in the background.Most read in FootballThe man was using a walking frame to navigate the cobbled streets of the plaza which no doubt would have been slippery due to the wet conditions.Fans on social media praised the Tartan Army men for their conduct.FC Koln fan swaps shirt with Tartan Army foot soldierOne said: “A touch of class from The Tartan Army.”Another comment read: “Imagine if we all looked out for each other like this how much better the world would be. Respect.”A third fan said: “Love it well done lads.”A German observer commented: “The Scottish fans are absolutely top class. The Scottish team has to stay in the tournament. I wish you all the best.”While this fan added: “No Scotland no party… that’s so kind of them.”Another described it as “the most wholesome moment of Euro 2024”.Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton also noticed the video, saying “this is lovely.”And the official FC Koln Twitter (X) account said: “Scotland fans, we knew we’d love having you here for the Euros. You’re always welcome.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNew YouTube channelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and videos as Scotland heads to the Euros.
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    Scotland fan & Tartan Army stalwart dies suddenly at Euros in Germany as tributes paid to ‘genuine good guy’

    TRIBUTES have flooded in for a “wonderful” Scotland supporter and Tartan Army stalwart who died in his sleep during a trip to Germany for the Euros.Colin King, from Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, went to bed in the early hours of yesterday morning but tragically didn’t wake up.Colin King died suddenly in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday morningCredit: FacebookThe 57-year-old attended the Euro opener against Germany on Friday in MunichCredit: FacebookFellow Scotland supporters flocked to the comments to share their memories of ColinCredit: FacebookThe Tartan Army footsoldier loved his trips awayCredit: FacebookThe 57-year-old attended the Euro opener against Germany on Friday in Munich and spent the day exploring Dusseldorf on Saturday.Colin’s devastated nephew Christopher O’Rourke revealed news of his death on Facebook.He wrote on The Tartan Army Group: “After the dream of qualification became a reality, and the scramble for tickets and flights, after the disaster that was the opening match, it all feels so unimportant now!”It’s with a broken heart and tears streaming down my face I am reporting the loss of our fellow Tartan Army footsoldier Colin King.”He attended the match on Friday and met up with us in Dusseldorf on Saturday, spent Sunday enjoying the city and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning but tragically never woke up on Monday.”He was many things to different people, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, a colleague, a boss to many but to me he was my uncle Colin, always on the wind up.”He loved his trips away with Scotland and luckily I got to share a few with him just sadly this was his last. This trip will be memorable for everyone but for different reasons.”Gutted supported flocked to the comments to express their condolences and share their fond memories of Colin.Most read in Euro 2024One wrote: “Unbelievably sad news, cracking bloke, met him in Cyprus and Sevilla. Condolences to all.”Another said: “My sincere condolences to Colin’s family. I’m sitting here having breakfast before travelling through to Cologne, devastated and very much in disbelief hearing this sad news. Scotland Euros fan sent to ‘abandoned dungeon’ from a ‘murder film’ in Germany “Colin was a work colleague and friend for many year and one of the genuine good guys… RIP mate.”A third added: “Colin you were a “classic”, rest easy mate.”If we learn anything today it should be that life is never a guarantee.”Appreciate the ones that are still here as you just never know when it becomes time up.”A fourth said: “Sorry for your loss, another footsoldier gone but never forgotten.”Colin’s distraught family vowed to keep his memory alive with a tribute at tomorrow’s match against Switzerland.A close family friend is urging the national team to honour the Tartan Army hero with a minute-long cheer at Cologne Stadium.An online post reads: “At the request of the family, I’d like to ask everyone to share this status so it reaches the Scotland National Team.”Colin King was a massive Scotland supporter, and he sadly passed away in his sleep on Sunday night when in Dusseldorf for the game against Germany.”Colin was an amazing person and to honour him we are asking if there could be a minute of cheer and applause on the fourth minute at the Scotland v Switzerland game tomorrow night.”The family would appreciate this so much at this difficult time.”Elsewhere Colin’s daughter Stephanie paid tribute and hailed “the most amazing man ever”.His youngest girl Caitlin updated her social media picture to include an image of her late dad.A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are in contact with the local authorities following the death of a British national in Dusseldorf.”It comes as tens of thousands of Scotland fans hit the roads and railways from Munich to Cologne as a Tartan Army convoy travelled in hope of a Euros resurrection.Scotland got mauled in Munich in a demoralising opener defeat against Germany.Steve Clarke’s side take on Switzerland in their second match of the Euros campaign tomorrow.We told how a Scotland fan involved in a head on crash going to the Euros suffered a broken back – as he spoke for the first time from his hospital bed.READ MORE SUN STORIESGary Ellis, 23, thanked wellwishers as a fundraiser was set up to help him return to his home city of Dundee to recover.The fan was travelling with his four pals from Weeze Airport when the horror smash occurred. More

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    Dejected Tartan Army fans pour out of Munich fanzone after first half horror show in Euro 2024 opener

    FANS began streaming out of the Olympic Park fan zone at halftime after a disastrous 45 minutes in the Allianz Arena.Three goals down and with a man sent off, it looked like Scotland was on a real hammering.Bob Jurgenson with grandson Archie at the football matchA Scotland fan is seen wearing a very small kiltCredit: GettyKevin Dryburgh wasn’t impressed with the football tonightIain Jurgenson, 48, from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute, said: “I’m seriously disappointed. “The Germans showed up, while we stayed in the dressing room.”His 11-year-old son, Archie, added: ”That was terrible. We couldn’t keep the ball.”Completing the family was Iain’s 83-year-old dad, Bob.Kevin Dryburgh, who works in Qatar, also left early. The 45-year-old said:” I think I’ll head back there now.“We had a great party in the city but then the game began. “Not one player was prepared to put his foot on the ball.”Most read in Euro 2024Back in Scotland the Tennent’s Lager fanzone in Merchant Square, Glasgow had to open early to allow excited punters in to sample the atmosphere.The stunning venue was packed with hundreds of Saltire-clad fans as they supped pints and cheered on the dark blues in their biggest game since 1998.A dejected fan in the Munich fanzoneCredit: GettyHorrified faces inside the Allianz Arena in MunichCredit: ReutersA dejected fan in MunichCredit: RexThe sad face of a Scotland fan at the final whistleCredit: RexStuart Armstrong is comforted by his girlfriendCredit: SplashScotland fans witnessed a sorry display from their heroesCredit: GettyPsychic lemurs give their prediction for the first Euros game – and it’s not a disaster for Scotland More

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    Thousands of Tartan Army fans trapped outside stadium amid chaos before Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener

    THOUSANDS of Tartan Army fans are trapped outside the stadium just hours ahead of their clash with Germany.The national side is due to face off against the host nation at the Allianz Arena in tonight’s Euros opener.Thousands of fans are stuck outside the stadiumCredit: Scottish SunBut the thousands of Scotland and Germany fans who travelled to see their teams play have been left in chaos.Mass confusion has taken hold outside the stadium with no clear queues.Fans have been given no direction as to what entrances to use as stewards struggle to provide any clear communication.One steward was heard saying: “Sorry for the mess, it’s our first game.”Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack was caught up in the chaos.He posted a picture of the long queues on X/Twitter and slammed the lack of organisation.He wrote: “EURO2024 the worst organization I’ve ever seen at a game. “Been queuing for over an hour and still tens of thousands of people trying to get in. Most read in Euro 2024″Where’s the German efficiency?!”Travel chaos has also gripped the city’s underground.Schoolboy Scotland fan’s foul-mouthed live TV outburst at GermanyTransport to the city on the subway has been closed down, with fans now having to walk out of the main city to find transport.Many are leaving the city and flagging down taxis to get to the game.One train on the U6 route was packed with supporters when it broke down four stops away from the stadium.Many footy fans opted to get off the trains and walk.New YouTube channelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and videos as Scotland heads to the Euros.
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    Peter Aitchison, 60, from Lochwinnoch, said: “We thought we were doing the right thing getting the U-Bahn early, but it broke down 4 stops from the stadium. “It was absolutely mobbed, fans dripping of sweat and getting really agitated. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Eventually after being stuck for 30 minutes, we joined hundreds of fans to get out and walk. “It’s going to cause chaos for trains behind coming from the city… I wouldn’t be surprised if it delayed kick off.” More

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    Sky Sports legend spotted partying with Scotland fans in Germany ahead of Euros

    THE big kick-off is still a couple of days away.And we don’t even know if the Euro 2024 opener will end with a win for Scotland.Scotland fans have started arriving in Germany today in their thousandsThey would soon be joined on the streets of Munich by a famous faceBut the Tartan Army are already in party mode in Germany – and have roped in a Sky Sports legend as an honorary supporter of Steve Clarke’s squad.Around 250,000 Scotland fans will travel to Germany over the coming days and weeks, with many jetting out today to the cities of Munich, Stuttgart or Cologne.Among them will be various broadcasters, journalists and media personalities – including Ally McCoist, Joe Hart and our very own Gordon Strachan.Another favourite with fans is Jeff Stelling, the former Sky Sports presenter who now hosts the Breakfast show on talkSPORT.The 69-year-old was spotted partying with Scotland supporters on the streets of Munich this afternoon, joining in with a sing-song in his honour.Around half a dozen punters roped the TV icon into an impromptu rendition of “There’s only one Jeff Stelling.”The veteran broadcaster posted a video of the group on his Twitter (X) account, with the caption “Love the Tartan Army.”He is seen in the middle of the group as they swig cans of beer outside a strip of bars in the German host city.Most read in Euro 2024Hundreds of punters have already lined the streets of Munich ahead of Friday’s big kick-off.And for those at home, the video perked up their excitement for the tournament.Scotland fans take over German pub with John McGinn chant as Euro party beginsOne said:” Love this. My first genuine wave of excitement for the Euros. Need to go and get the sticker book now…”Another said: “Fabulous.”A third fan said: “Brilliant mate, all the best! Mon Scotland!”Another fan quoted Stelling’s former Sky cohort Chris Kamara, saying: “Unbelievable Jeff!”Jeff Stelling alongside Scotland fans in MunichCredit: ANDY BARRGo Ballistic – SunSport’s new podcastSUNSPORT is going Ballistic with the launch of our brilliant new podcast.

    Every day of the Euros host Roger Hannah will bring you all the latest news and views from the Scotland camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
    He will be joined by our men in Germany – Bill Leckie, Robert Grieve and Derek McGregor.
    And there will also be special guest appearances from our Euro 2024 columnist Gordon Strachan, regular columnist Kris Boyd and bookie basher Jim Delahunt.
    You can watch every episode on our website or our brand new YouTube channel.
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    Bizarre moment Scotland KITMAN drafted into first Euro 2024 training session as preparations hit by major disruption

    STEVE CLARKE sprung a shock last week with the surprise call-up of Lewis Morgan to the Scotland squad for Euro 2024.Even still, few could’ve foreseen the KITMAN being drafted into training!Andy Robertson was forced-off during Scotland trainingCredit: PAHis absence led to a shock call-up!Robertson was in good spirits as he made his way back onto the pitchCredit: PAScotland’s Euros heroes are in Germany ahead of Friday’s big kick-off.Clarke’s men will face the hosts in the opening game in Munich.But with the 26-man squad now locked in, preparations took a somewhat concerning turn.Out on the training pitch at their base for the first time, captain Andy Robertson was spotted being escorted off the park.He wasn’t the only player to exit the session, with Lawrence Shankland also forced-off.Robertson, who walked off with the physios, was later spotted emerging back out onto the park.The left-back had a smile on his face and was laughing with the backroom staff, hopefully a sign that there is no major issue.The absences of Robertson and Shankland meant the squad was a little bit light for the training session.Most read in Euro 2024And it meant a shock inclusion!That was because it was none other than the KITMAN who stepped in to save the day.Scotland captain Andy Robertson sparks Euro 2024 injury concern as captain is forced out of training in worrying scenesAidan McIlduff was spotted out on the park with the players, taking an active part in the session.With a bib on and fully kitted out in training gear, McIlduff was spotted with a ball at his feet and also took part in sessions based around team shape and set pieces.The 27-year old isn’t a total novice, however, as he is a footballer himself!A defender, McIlduff came through the youth ranks at Celtic and spent time on loan with Clyde and Queen’s Park while at Parkhead.McIlduff left Celtic in 2017 and has since played for Peterhead, Berwick Rangers and Stenhousemuir.Last season, he turned out for St Cadoc’s in the West of Scotland Football League.New YouTube channelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and videos as Scotland heads to the Euros.
    Watch our daily GoBallistic podcast with Roger Hannah and our SunSport team in Germany as the Tartan Army marches on Munich in search of glory.
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    Not quite Euro 2024 level!No sooner had he had his big moment, however, he was back to the day job!SunSport captured the moment McIlduff was back on the sidelines cleaning the players’ boots!While all that was going on, midfield ace Kenny McLean was also seen enjoying a game of darts on the sidelines.READ MORE SUN STORIESA dartboard, complete with a Saltire around it, has been brought in.McIlduff was spotted back at the day job after his big momentKenny McLean was spotted enjoying a game of darts on the sidelinesCredit: PAKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Captain Andy Robertson and Scotland team mate pull OUT injured during first Euros training session in huge blow

    ANDY ROBERTSON is the latest injury doubt for Scotland ahead of the Euros.The Tartan Army captain limped out of training during the first training session at their base in Germany this morning.Andy Robertson is an injury doubt for Scotland on FridayCredit: SKY SPORTSHe looked bitterly disappointed after being forced off the training fieldRobertson, 30, is an indispensable member of the squad and recently broke the record for the most appearances as a Scotland captain.The Liverpool defender was seen being led off for treatment less than an hour after taking to the field at Stadion am Groben in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.His place in the session was bizarrely filled by one of the KITMEN – former Celtic trainee Aidan McIlduff.Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland was also forced out of action today.The 28-year-old scored his third international goal last week against Finland and is a contender to lead the line for when Scotland kick-off the tournament against the hosts on Friday evening.It’s understood neither injury is considered to be serious but it is a worry for boss Steve Clarke and a bitter bow to his preparations for the competition.Shankland scored 31 goals at club level this year, including 24 in the Premiership, as he forced his way into Clarke’s Euros plans.The Jambos hero is in a straight fight with Southampton star Che Adams for the striker’s berth on Friday night.Most read in Euro 2024Adams has six goals in 30 caps for Scotland while Shankland has three strikes in 11 matches.Tommy Conway was promoted from the Under-21s and drafted in to take the spot of QPR frontman Lyndon Dykes, who was forced to withdraw from the squad last weekend.Scotland captain Andy Robertson tells Germans what to expect from the Tartan ArmyLewis Morgan also won a late call-up after Liverpool wonderkid Ben Boak was ruled out of the tournament.Conway impressed on his debut at Hampden, coming close to scoring the winner with a header in the 2-2 draw.The Bristol City forward spoke of his emotions after making his first Scotland appearance, revealing how his family would be looking down on him with pride.Scotland have been luckless with injuries in the run-up to Euro 2024.Full-backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson were both ruled out some months ago, as was midfielder Lewis Ferguson.Hickey and Patterson had been rotating at right-back and right wing-back under Clarke, while Ferguson had been starring for Bologna in Serie A and trying to force his way into Clarke’s starting XI.SunSport’s new podcastSUNSPORT is going Ballistic with the launch of our brilliant new podcast.
    Every day of the Euros host Roger Hannah will bring you all the latest news and views from the Scotland camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
    He will be joined by our men in Germany – Bill Leckie, Robert Grieve and Derek McGregor.
    And there will also be special guest appearances from our Euro 2024 columnist Gordon Strachan, regular columnist Kris Boyd and bookie basher Jim Delahunt.
    You can watch every episode on our website or our brand new YouTube channel.
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    Scotland 2 Finland 2 – Clarke fails to break friendly duck as low-key farewell jamboree leaves him with huge decisions

    IT WAS as low-key a farewell jamboree as Scotland could’ve had.And Steve Clarke saw his hopes of breaking his friendly duck as Scotland manager dashed as Finland came from two down to snatch a Hampden draw.Scotland raced into a two-goal lead in the second halfCredit: GettyLawrence Shankland netted the secondCredit: ReutersBut they were stunned by the visitors late onCredit: PAIt was Clarke’s 55th game as international boss – and as his side overcome a stuttering first-half to sweep into a two-goal lead, it looked like he was going to finally record a home friendly victory.Scotland last won a challenge match on Scottish soil eight years, nine games and three managers ago. March 29 2016, to be precise – a stuffy 1-0 win over Denmark under Gordon Strachan, thanks to a Matt Ritchie winner on what was John McGinn’s Scotland debut. Since then Malky Mackay, Alex McLeish and Clarke have all tried to secure wins in challenge games watched by packed houses and half-full stadia alike. Even the normally unflappable Clarke said last month that Scotland were s***e at friendlies. And the opening 45 minutes last night continued that trend. Scotland passed the ball to no threatening effect whatsoever. Finland, with little possession, had the better chances. But after the interval they got a break when central defender Arttu Hoskonen turned Andy Robertson’s cross into his own net to break the deadlock. Most read in FootballLawrence Shankland’s 33rd goal of a prolific season doubled the lead.But Ben Kallman – who’d a brief spell at Dundee six seasons ago – pulled one back for the visitors and sub keeper Craig Gordon conceded a penalty which saw Oliver Antman level. Stuart McCall’s hilarious story swapping shirts with Gazza & THAT game at WembleyQuestions, obviously, remain for the manager as the clock ticks down to Germany in Munich on Friday. Does Ryan Porteous come back into the defence? Will it be Shankland or Che Adams up front?And what’s to be done about the problematic right wing-back position?  On that score, neither Ross McCrorie in Gibraltar nor Tony Ralston last night did much to make themselves undroppable. It wouldn’t surprise me if Clarke had a curveball up his sleeve for that opener in six days’ time – maybe someone out of position to occupy that slot?Those are the things Clarke has to ponder at home before they arrive in Germany tomorrow night.He’ll not have learned much during this low-key encounter. In the early moments, Casper Terho saw his early shot blocked, with ex-Celt Teemu Pukki – Finland’s all-time top scorer, winning his 122nd cap – had his header saved as the visitors sought an early breakthrough.Ryan Christie wriggled past Matti Peltola on the right but his low cross was clattered clear by the Finnish defence. McGinn chipped over the top but Finland continued to probe, and when backtracking Hanley lost the flight of a forward pass, Hampden held its breath as Pukki lofted the opportunity over.Shankland, firing over from the edge of the box, was next to try his luck. But the only time the home support perked into life came when Arttu Hoskonen’s backpass had keeper Jesse Joronen stretching.It was 32 minutes before Scotland forced their first corner. Finland, with little possession, were nevertheless getting forward briskly when they did have the ball. Terho cut inside and fired in another low drive, which Gunn gathered comfortably. Steve Clarke’s side had failed to register an effort on target in the opening half-hour and although Christie finally changed that when he escaped the clutches of Leo Vaisanen, his left-foot drive was easily saved. John McGinn had contributed little but he found room on the left and picked out the advancing Billy Gilmour – but groans rang round Hampden as the Brighton man tried a first-time pass into a crowded Finland box rather than testing their keeper. It was easily snuffed out.Scotland needed something to spark a subdued crowd into life and inside two minutes of the re-start they got it. Gilmour latched on to possession on the edge of the box and drove for goal – but Finland’s sub keeper Viljami Sinisalo pushed his left-foot shot wide of the target. However it was at least an attacking foray – and six minutes later Scotland got a slice of luck to break the deadlock. Skipper Andy Robertson’s low cross didn’t look like it was going to bring any more dividends than any of the previous balls he’d sent into the Finnish box. But Cracovia defender Arttu Hoskonen stuck out his right foot and sent the ball spinning past his own keeper into the corner of Finland’s net. If the skipper’s cross for that one was sent more in hope than expectation, four minutes later he delivered properly.Ralston’s long ball was headed out by a back-tracking Finnish defence to the Liverpool full-back. His return cross picked out Shankland, who headed in his third international goal from close range.The creator and the finisher were promptly withdrawn, with Greg Taylor and under-21 call-up Tommy Conway sent on. Finland thought they’d pulled one back when Robin Lod sent a curler beyond the diving Angus Gunn – but the assistant’s flag was already up. The next Scotland sub prompted one of the biggest roars of the night as Craig Gordon replaced Gunn for his 75th – and probably last – international cap. And the veteran was immediately in action, maintaining a Scotland clean sheet after Finland sub Ben Kallman skinned Hanley and Gordon had to claw his drive into the side netting for a corner. And Kallman reduced the deficit when his header from fellow sub Oliver Antman’s cross squeezed under Gordon – with the goal ratified by a VAR check. VAR was again in action seven minutes from time when Gordon recklessly flattened Finnish sub Tomas Galvez. The Hearts keeper claimed he’d got a touch on the ball, but the check ruled in favour of Finland and Antman drilled home the spot-kick. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd though Conway forced a great stoppage-time save from Sinisalo with a header, Scotland suffered friendly disappointment again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More