Gutted fans who watched Scotland’s crushing 1-0 defeat from a makeshift fan zone in the centre of Stuttgart said they were just happy to be there.
Tens of thousands of ticketless fans watched on a huge screen at the city’s Stadtgarten as our Euro campaign came to a devastating end against Hungary with a last minute goal tonight.
The local authority managed to set up the spectacular area for the Tartan Army in just a number of days after confirming the Germany match against Switzerland would be shown at the city’s largest 30,000 capacity fan zone at the nearby Schlossplatz.
There were fears many would miss out on watching the game due to the decision – but despite a huge number of Scots without tickets descending onto the city, there was space for everyone to watch the game.
The result means Scotland have now been sent home and speaking after the game Steven Presslie, 43, a police officer from Monkton, said: “It’s gutting. Really disappointing. It feels like a missed opportunity, but it’s still been an awesome experience.
“This fan zone experience was great, just look at how many people are here. It was unreal to see how many Scots were in Germany. Even though we lost, it was still an amazing atmosphere.”
Retired fireman David Murdoch was at the makeshift fan zone with his wife Michelle, a 48-year-old finance manager from East Kilbride.
David, 52, said: “It’s really disappointing to go out like that but we’ve had an amazing experience out here in Germany. I go all over the world but this has been the best trip ever.
“It was amazing to watch it from here too, I can’t believe they put this up for us in five days.
“We came down early at around 3pm to soak up the atmosphere and the place was just mobbed with Scots all day.
“I gave my daughter my ticket for today but it was incredible to watch it from here.
“The screen was high-resolution and the fans were packed in here.
“The queues for beers were fine as well and there were plenty of food stalls too.”
Thousands of Scots both with and without tickets gathered at Stadtgarten ahead of the game as they partied to bagpipes and sang the usual chants.
After the ticket holders headed off to the stadium the others found a good spot with a view of the large screen before watching the drama unfold.
Lewis Fotheringham, who is 28 and originally from Glasgow but now makes wine in Australia, said: “This result cannot ruin the trip we’ve had. The fun we have had was incredible. It’s the most fun we’ve had in years.
“It’s been absolutely magic. Everybody here at the fan zone has been brilliant too. Everyone reckons we are the best fans in the world, which of course we are.
“This fan zone has been quality. I honestly reckon it is just as good as being at the game.”
The set up at the unofficial fan zone was laidback with fans allowed to bring in their own booze and picnics.
There were also a number of beer and food stalls and a large number of portaloos around the outside of the viewing area.
Colin O’Hara, 59, who works for Chivas Regal and is from Clydebank, said: “No Scotland, No Party. That’s what it’s all about. Forget about the result, we’ve had an amazing two weeks out here.
“The experience at the fan area was amazing. We were at the official fan zone in Munich and this is night and day. We’ve not had to queue up for anything.
“We came here early to get a good spot and it was an amazing experience.”
Trudi Liddell, 52, who works for the ambulance service and is from Edinburgh, was stopped by the Record as she walked out of the viewing area. She said: : “It’s not the result that we wanted but nonetheless the experience has been absolutely amazing. I might never get to travel across to see Scotland at a major tournament ever again. It’s been brilliant.
“The fan zone that they set up was absolutely amazing too. It was the best thing about this whole trip.
“It was even better than the official fan zone they set up for us in Cologne. I had a seat with a perfect view of the screen and we were even able to bring in our own drinks. It was fantastic.”
Graeme Wilson, 43-year-old fireman from East Kilbride added: “Forget about the result. No Scotland, No party. The viewing area was amazing.
“Absolutely incredible that they set this up for us in such a short space of time. We got down here early and the atmosphere was superb.”
Elsewhere Angela Agnew, who is retired and from Aberdeen, had a picnic blanket set up throughout the night with pals Sue Maconnachie, 53, Jo Bartlett, 30, and Julie Fraser.
The 53-year-old said: “It was a great experience watching it here. We’re so grateful they were able to set this up for us. There were no queues and everything was so well run. Thank you Stuttgart!”
In a show of defiance at the heartbreaking result, Scotland supporters sang Flower of Scotland in Stuttgart’s fan zone just moments after our Euro adventure came to a crushing end.
Tens of thousands of ticketless Tartan Army watched on in horror as Hungary’s late winner ended our dreams of qualification through the group.
Thousands of disappointed fans at the viewing area in the city’s Stadtgarten let out a huge groan as they quickly piled out of the park.
Some kicked bottles and others were in tears as they headed home. Some others, however, stayed and clapped the team at the end before dozens began singing the national anthem.
It was an emotional moment as the fans applauded the efforts of those on the pitch, despite not getting the result they had dreamed of.
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