Scottish people are known for many things. The very first thing that comes to mind when you think of Scotland is probably the Loch Ness monster. Nessie is a much-loved local Cryptid and a point of pride for most Scottish folks. Another might be the Highland Games: the traditional Scottish games held every summer in Scotland or anywhere with a large Scottish population. The games garner much enthusiasm from the Scots, who compete in events like the caber toss and other athletics, bagpiping, drumming, and dancing.
Scotland is known for its fictional thane, Macbeth, and the drama and tragedy which followed him wherever he went. The Scots are also known for being a warrior culture, for the different tartans that make up the kilts of the many clans, for Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting, whisky and haggis, and bridal shower “Taking Out” ceremonies.
But the one major thing that Scottish people are renowned for is their love of the beautiful game: football. Scottish fans are among some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic in the world, and they’re not shy about showing it. Let’s have a look at those times when Scottish football fans were just downright crazy or the absolute best.
Causing a stink
On game day, nothing in the world is more important than getting out of the house, down to the stadium, and into your seat to see your favorite team play. All other thoughts just leave your mind: the iron that you may have left on, the laundry you left hanging out even though you know it might rain, the kids' school lunches...and maybe even taking a bath.
The Celtic’s supporter liaison officer, John Paul Taylor, was asked to pen a letter to the team’s supporters at large, reminding them that their dedication was very much appreciated but that they needed to wash before showing up to the stadium. Initially, this letter was thought to be some sort of hoax or joke, but it turned out to be entirely true. The complaint came from a season ticket holder, who said that the pungent smell of one individual had caused a distraction for them during the match.
However much you love your team, we know they’ll be ok with you taking the time out to have a shower before kickoff!
Bought and paid for
Nothing says commitment like making a purchase, right? Well, that's undoubtedly how the fans of Stirling Albion felt when they made a dramatic bid to purchase the team! The team’s loyal fans created a trust back in 2017, with the intention of buying the team in a once-off payment. This was not only for fans to feel involved and close to their favorite team but also to secure its financial future. The fans were earnest about this endeavor and located some high profile backers to help them reach their goal; for example, Manchester United star player Cristiano Ronaldo.
One individual from the group of fans said, "This is the chance of a lifetime for everyone to be part of the first 100 percent fan’s trust-owned league club in the UK. Fan’s trusts already have ownership in clubs across the UK, and four cases have majority stakes. Still, this innovative and ambitious campaign aims to make Stirling Albion FC the UK's first-ever 100 percent fan’s trust-owned club.”
Although the fans’ bid was ultimately rejected, this event will go down in Scottish football history as one of the times that Scottish fans went above and beyond for the love of their team.
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Having a ball
It’s well known among sports fans that it is bad form to impede the match in any way. If a ball goes wide or into the crowd, you grab it and hand it back to security so that the game can continue...usually. However, one Rangers fan got a little carried away at a match in 2017, and so did the match ball. When Ryan Christie sent the neon yellow ball flying a bit further than he expected, it landed in the hands of a fan who clearly thought that his moment had come. Without so much as a backward glance, the unknown man grabbed the ball and ran for the hills. Though a few other fans tried halfheartedly to stop him, the YouTube video shows him making it through the gauntlet and presumably to freedom.
The match has since become a legend as fellow fans took to Twitter to wax lyrical about the man’s mad dash. Certainly, a Scottish football moment to remember!
Stripped down
Bystanders in London got something of an eyeful last year, as Scottish fans in the throes of pre-game passion stripped off their clothes and ran wild in the city. The run-up to the Euros in 2020 was an emotionally charged time for fans from across the world. While some of the Scots in the city for the tournament managed to keep their kit on, others whipped everything off in places like Hyde Park, in full view of an unsuspecting public. One fan was even caught on camera in the underground doing “The Worm” on the train. Other fans expressed their enthusiasm by jumping into the fountain at Leicester Square before proceeding, in damp clothes, to the stadium for the match.
While we wholeheartedly endorse fun and games before kickoff, we advise that these be carried out while you are fully clothed. That way, you’ll end up in a seat in the stands rather than behind bars at the local police station.
Wrap up
It is clear that Scottish football fans are the best. Whether they are investing in their team, making a run for it with a match ball, or dropping their kit in celebration, they’re committed, and they have a great sense of humor. How could you not love them?