Euro 2024 chaos as Scotland fans told to 'spread out' just hours before Germany match
REUTERS
Thousands of Scotland fans have descended on the Marienplatz in Munich ahead of the Euro 2024 opener against Germany.
Munich authorities have closed the Marienplatz in Munich and are stopping Scotland fans from entering in a bid to prevent overcrowding.
Thousands of Scotland fans have arrived in Germany this week to lend their support to Steve Clarke's side.
It's only the second major tournament Scotland are competing in since the 1998 World Cup and there's optimism that they could progress to the knockout stage.
They get off to a difficult start against tournament hosts Germany on Friday night at the Allianz Arena.
Scotland fans have descended on Germany for the start of the Euros
REUTERS
The Tartan Army will be expected to make their voices heard in the stadium, but they've also made a huge impact around the streets of Germany.
The atmosphere was pumping before kick-off on Friday with thousands gathering in the Marienplatz from the early hours of the morning.
But Munich authorities have now announced that they've closed the square due to overcrowding and warned fans that the game won't be shown on screens.
An update read: "URGENT!!! The #Marienplatz is overcrowded.
"There will definitely be no public viewing there.
"Please spread out elsewhere in the city! The fan zone is also about to close. Please don't go to the Olympiapark anymore!"
They later announced that the Olympic Park had been closed just hours before kick-off.
"UPDATE!!! The fan zone is currently closed," they said.
Scotland have been told to move on from the Munich fan zone
REUTERS
"Please don't go to the Olympiapark anymore!"
Clarke is hopeful his Scotland side can remain focused by the time they take to the pitch against Germany.
He said: "It's the opening game of a four-team section, three matches, we know what we have to do to qualify and that's all we focus on.
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"The enormity of the opener is a bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don't get too caught up in that.
"It's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've had is respect everyone and fear no one.
"We know they're a good team but hopefully we can show everyone we're a good team as well."