Agony: Tartan Army put through the wringer again
Scotland fans at Edinburgh’s Three Sisters pub, starved of major tournament football since 1998, react as another chance goes begging in the 2-0 defeat by the Czech Republic at Hampden, the Scots condemned to an opening loss ahead of Friday’s clash with England at Wembley
Scotland fans were left disappointed as the team lost their opening match of Euro 2020.
Hopes were high as Scotland's men's team appeared at their first major tournament in 23 years but they were beaten 2-0 by the Czech Republic.
The game at Hampden Park in Glasgow was the team's first at a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. They now face England at Wembley on Friday.
Earlier, thousands of Scotlandfansbeltedoutthenational anthem at Glasgow's Euros fan zone ahead of kick-off.
Up to 3,000 people at a time were allowed into the designated fan area at Glasgow Green.
Eddie Smith, 25, from Dunfermline said it was "unbelievable" to be in the fan zone with five of his friends after acquiring tickets.
He said: "It needed to go ahead here and it's unbelievable it has. The security is great, everyone is sitting down spaces apart.
"If you didn't have this everyone would be firing into a pub or a flat, with a lot more than six people.
"The government advice has been to stay outside and here we are all distanced with table service, I'm happy we have this here. I was the only one of my mates to get the tickets."
Friends James Hill, 26, Steven Thistleton, 25, and Ross Mcarthur, 19, also agree the outdoor fan zone is the best option for supporters.
Mr Hill said: "It's basically a massivebeergarden,although I was a bit shocked it's £13 for a pizza. Pints are £6 which is all right. We've not come into close contact with anyone outside our group.”
After the game, Barry Moffat, 48, from Glasgow, rued the "horrible missed chances".
"We have to fight through this and go again on Friday. We're not finished yet in the tournament", he said.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of the event amid the pandemic, with fans not required to take a lateral flow test before attending, but organisers said they are confident it is a safe environment.
Some 12,000 fans were at Hampden for the game reduced from capacity due to comply with coronavirus restrictions - and Scotland's First Minister urged caution from supporters in and out of the stadium.
In a video message on Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon said: "Every single Scotland fan has waited such a long time for this moment.
"Every fan deserves to enjoy this and I hope everybody does enjoy it. I'll be watching along with everybody else."
She added: "I'm the one that's got to say it of course – we're still in the Covid pandemic.
"So, as you enjoy, we hope, lots and lots of Scotland goals, please try and do it safely, for your own sake but for those you love as well."
The First Minister also sent words of encouragement to the squad, saying: "After 23 long years, the big moment has arrived – our men's team back where they belong on the big stage.
"To Steve Clarke and the whole team – thanks for getting us here, you've done us proud already but the very, very best of luck for every kick of the ball.
"The whole country is behind you, we'll be cheering you on every step of the way."