Munich chiefs to dish out award as Tartan Army labelled ‘best fans in the world’

EUROS host city chiefs revealed they want to dish out gongs to the Tartan Army who were hailed in Germany as the “best fans in the world”.

Civic and tourism leaders joined pundits and tournament officials with tributes to our party-loving support as they continued to take the footie showpiece by storm.

Up to 200,000 footsoldiers travelled to the host nation — first descending on Munich ahead of last Friday’s opening Group A clash with Germany, then invading Cologne in fine song for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

And chiefs in both cities are now weighing up how to recognise their amazing impact.

VisitCologne tourism boss Dr Jürgen Amann praised our “exuberant and peaceful” footsoldiers, who flew a huge Saltire in the city centre in the build up to the big game.

He admitted: “There should be an award for the most powerful vocal support at the Euros and Scottish fans would have an amazing chance to win it.

“Scottish fans won the hearts of the people of Cologne.”

As the city still resounded to the sound of our tournament anthem, Dr Amann added: “We’ll remember the Tartan Army for a long time to come: No Scotland, No Party!”

One of Munich mayor Dieter Reiter’s top officials agreed: “Scotland‘s fans have been so impressive.

“We are considering how to acknowledge this.”

The praise came days after funloving supporters turned the city’s Marienplatz main square into a sea of blue and white.

And Mr Reiter, who previously recorded a special video message to welcome them, yesterday told The Scottish Sun: “It was a great honour to host Scottish fans.

“Their friendly and engaging nature enriched Munich.

“They have contributed greatly to Euro 2024 with their extremely positive and peaceful atmosphere.

“The song No Scotland, No Party will resonate for a long time.”

We told how fans remained upbeat despite the pain of the 5-1 defeat to the hosts at the city’s Allianz Arena.

They moved on to Cologne in high spirits — and memorably sang their hearts out as dozens of pipers led a parade to the city’s RheinEnergie-Stadion for the clash that kept our qualification hopes alive.

Many returned to the city’s bustling Alter Markt yesterday to try to shake off hangovers and keep the party going.

And the thrilling scenes have left their mark on footie bosses in the city. Sven Stolz, UEFA Euro 2024 Cologne project leader, said: “It was a fantastic time. We see many

Scottish supporters still in the Alter Markt here in the old town.

“So many Scottish supporters singing and having a lot of fun.

“Although the weather warning meant we had to close fan zones, they still went on partying.

“It’s amazing to see how they behave. It’s a dream for us.

“We’re really happy to have them here. Locals are making new friends. I got so much good feedback from Scottish supporters.”

Civic bosses admitted they’d love to welcome us back in the knockout phase, should we beat Hungary in the final Group A encounter on

Sunday. A City of Cologne spokesman said Scots had created “many special moments”, adding: “It’s great to see how much fun they have.

“We would be delighted if Scotland and their great fans were to come back for a round of 16 match.”

Tournament organisers Uefa have held discussions about which set of supporters should win their fans’ award — with Scotland’s thought to be frontrunners. The accolade previously went to the Irish at Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.

A Uefa source said: “The logistics are discussed afterwards.” The award hopes came as the German media hailed our supporters in print and online.

News website Blick published a major piece on the Tartan Army headlined: “The history of the friendliest army in the world.”

Cologne’s daily newspaper, the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, devoted a page to coverage of the tartan invasion, headlined in English: “No Scotland, No Party!”

And a viral video of two kilted lads helping an elderly Germany lady cross the road while carrying her brolley captured more hearts yesterday. Broadcasters NTV said: “The ‘Tartan Army’ is famous. She has a powerful voice, a beer spirit — and a heart for other people.”

Supporters last night began packing their bags for the 233-mile trek from Cologne to Stuttgart — where a win would likely mean Steve Clarke‘s side make history by progressing from the group stage.

And West of Scotland Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband backed them to keep the party going. He said: “Some fans have not stopped at helping old ladies across the road — they’ve started kissing babies as well! We have one major international love-in.”