Scotland’s Euro 2024 preparations have been overshadowed by an outbreak of fan violence in Germany. Scottish supporters, who had traveled to Munich ahead of Friday’s match against Germany. A bar fight escalated into a chaotic scene on Wednesday evening, involving several individuals.
The incident occurred in Marienplatz, a central square in Munich, where an argument between two individuals and a group of Scotland fans quickly turned violent. The altercation initially saw the pair leave the area. Only to return and start hurling chairs and stein glasses at the Scottish supporters.
According to the Daily Record, the intensity of the violence did not result in any reported injuries. Local police intervened, arresting the two instigators and two Scottish fans as the disturbance continued to spill over. The altercation took place around 9:30 PM local time.
This incident raises concerns just days before the start of the Euros, with Scotland and Germany set to compete in the tournament’s opening match on Friday at 8 PM at the Allianz Arena.
Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, had recently praised the country’s fans for their positive representation and support. Speaking earlier this month, he said: “They are a reflection of the Scottish people. They want to be good ambassadors when they go away, they want people to love them. The dress is probably unique, makes them stand out a little bit and people are curious.
“As the head coach of the national team now, we’re very appreciative of support that the Tartan Army gives us. I think to have been part of the journey over the last four and a bit years, one of the things that we’ve managed to do is get the country back on side, we have managed to re-engage with the Tartan Army.
“I think what the Scottish supporter always wants to see from their team is when they go on to the pitch, they’re competitive. They don’t necessarily demand that you have to win, but I think they demand that you have to be competitive.
“And what we’ve got now is a very competitive group who want to do as well as they can for their country every single time. The Tartan Army can see that, they can smell it, so they understand that we are group they should support.”
With the tournament just around the corner, German police are likely to increase their vigilance to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, England’s opening group match against Serbia has already been labeled a “high-risk fixture,” prompting additional security measures.
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