Arabs on the march for Europa clash

A GROUP of Dundee United fans marched to Tannadice last night ahead of their clash against AZ Alkmaar.

The Europa Conference League qualifier is their first European clash for ten years.

The United fans were encouraged by the DUFC Displays group to join in on the “corteo”, which is an organised march to the stadium.

The group set off from the Snug Bar, at the junction of Isla Street and Mains Road, at 7.25pm.

Participants took the short walk along Isla Street and North Isla Street to finish at the ground before the big match.

An onlooker said the atmosphere as the march took place was “amazing”. She said: “Between 800 and 900 fans marched together, singing a variety of football chants.

“There was lots of colour with smoke bombs and flags waving in the air.

“It was an amazing atmosphere with lots of happy people coming together to support their team.” The group also arranged for a huge tifo (banner) to be unveiled inside Tannadice prior to kick-off.

One of the club’s most memorable displays was a enormous flag unfurled at the final derby of last season, which read: “Dundee’s premier club. Flying the flag for our city.”

The last Tayside “corteo” saw Fair City Unity march to McDiarmid Park ahead of St Johnstone’s play-off victory over Inverness.

The game ended 1-0 to United last night, heralding a triumphant return to European football.

Applause rang out in the 49th minute as a tribute to Carnoustie mum Marie Kiernan, 49, a stalwart of the Dundee United Supporters Foundation.

Popular Marie died last week after a fight against cancer.

See match report in Sport.