Tag: Tartan Army

Swinney: Scotland fans must not be priced out of the World Cup

John Swinney has called on FIFA to end dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets after supporters were hit with eye-watering costs to follow Scotland this summer.

The First Minister has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging him to introduce a fairer ticketing model, warning that too many members of the Tartan Army risk being priced out of Scotland’s first men’s World Cup since 1998.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Tartan Army are the greatest supporters in the world, and have waited almost 30 years for the World Cup. They should not be priced out by dynamic ticket pricing.

“I’ve written to FIFA to urge fairer and more affordable prices. Football should be about fans, not finances.”

Full letter from the First Minister to FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

Dear Gianni Infantino,

As you will know, this summer Scotland will return to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Our victory against Denmark led to the most remarkable scenes as people across Scotland celebrated one of the proudest moments in our recent sporting memory.

Steve Clarke and the team have instilled a sense of confidence and pride in our country that only our national game can bring.

That incredible moment for our nation will live long in the memory and in just a few months’ time thousands will embark on a trip to America to follow Scotland in our games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil and, with a bit of magic from the boys, beyond that too.

Our Tartan Army has the chance to see our men’s national team at a World Cup for the first time in decades, but our historic return has been marred by FIFA’s dynamic pricing model that has made the trip simply unaffordable for so many loyal supporters.

This model has made this the most expensive World Cup in history and it is the opposite of what football, and indeed the biggest sporting occasion on the planet, should be about.

Scotland fans, travelling across the globe, are entirely justified in calling for you to put an end to this pricing model, particularly during a cost of living crisis when people are really struggling. I am urging you to act to introduce a fair, affordable ticketing model for fans going forward.

Scotland gave birth to our beautiful game and its management has been entrusted to you. But as you know football belongs to fans. It is now imperative you take responsibility to ensure that remains the case.

Yours sincerely,

John Swinney

First Minister of Scotland

Scotland: Time for glory?

SCOTS SHOOT FOR THE STARS IN SUNDAY SHOWDOWN

It all comes down to this … 

After a dramatic draw against Switzerland, Scotland go in to tonight’s match against Hungary in Stuttgart knowing that a win is needed if Steve Clarke’s side are to have a chance of making history by progressing to the knock-out stages of a major tournament for the first time ever. 

After the bitter disappointment in Munich in the opener against Germany, Scotland were much-improved in an entertaining draw against the Swiss. 

Scott McTominay broke the deadlock, smashing home from the edge of the box via a deflection, after a swift counter-attack, before Xherdan Shaqiri curled home a stunning equaliser.

Scotland returned to their picturesque base in the Bavarian Alps on Thursday, where Steve Clarke’s squad recovered from the exertions of Wednesday night and prepared for their crucial final match of Group A.

Team news:

Scotland have suffered a blow with Kieran Tierney – who was stretchered off on Wednesday night – being ruled out of EURO 2024 through injury. 

Ryan Porteous also remains unavailable as he serves the second game of his suspension, while Ryan Jack’s fitness is being monitored as well. 

Scotland assistant coach John Carver addressed the media on Friday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and issued the following words of encouragement to his players: “Let’s see how the game develops and plays out but if we do it we will be the first team to do it and people will remember the team to do it for the first time.

“That’s what they have to think about in the back of their minds. These guys have got us to this tournament and we deserve to be there.

“They have put all the work and effort in to get us to where we are – why can’t we go one step further and take it to that next level? Because that’s what we want, we all want that and there is no reason why we can’t after what we saw a couple of days ago.”

The assistant coach also reflected on the performance of the Tartan Army in Cologne and the rousing rendition of the anthem, in particular, adding: “When I listened to Flower of Scotland – and I am getting a little emotional here – it was the loudest I have ever heard.

“It brought a lump to my throat. If that can’t inspire these guys after that they did the other then …

“We might get beat because the opposition is better than us but it won’t be for the want of trying.”

Defender Hendry also spoke to the press, looking back on Wednesday night and looking forward to the crunch clash against Hungary. He said “It was an action-packed evening, a very emotional evening.

“We obviously felt we had to put in a performance and I think we did that. Obviously a massive contrast and hopefully we can continue this momentum.

“It felt good, we felt we gave a bit of justice in the performance and hopefully we made the county a bit more proud than they felt after the evening against Germany.

“There is a lot to look forward to now. Obviously it is in our hands and it is something to really relish.”

“The squad is aware that have never got out of a group before so this squad is hungry to change that. The squad is determined to make history on Sunday against Hungary.”

Heading to the game?

For the supporters who are travelling to the Stuttgart Arena, have a look at UEFA’s guide to Stuttgart for advice on travel, getting to the stadium and things to do in the host city. (If you’re reading this in Germany, hopefully you’re in Stuttgart already! – Ed.)

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7pm in the UK. Gabby Logan will be presenting, with punditry from David Moyes, Alan Shearer and Rachel Corsie.