Scotland win 0-0! Thousands of non-socially distanced Scotland fans party through the night and let off flares in London as 26 are arrested - but 'hypocritical' Nicola Sturgeon stays silent despite Covid fears

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Police have arrested 26 people amid the wild celebrations in central London as Scotland held England to a 0-0 draw at Wembley, sending the Tartan Army into raptures as they continued their drunken revelry in the West End. 

Before the end of the match police cleared fans out of Leicester Square and sealed off the five entrances to the area, wary of any potential flare-ups between supporters.

Squads of police in fluorescent yellow jackets formed a human barrier to stop any fan from entering, while the William Shakespeare statue, which was scaled throughout the day, was also sealed off.

One England fan was arrested for taking a swing at an officer after he became angry at being unable to pass a police line and meet up with a friend who had been knocked to the floor in a scuffle among drunk England fans.

The other arrests included for racial aggravation, drunk and disorderly behaviour, possession of drugs and knuckle dusters.

As more than 1,000 fans returned to Leicester Square from pubs in central London police eventually took the decision to allow them back inside the cordon.

A spokesman for the force told PA: 'As a result of the policing operation today in relation to the football, 18 people have been arrested so far by officers. All of those arrested were male.

'Arrests were mainly in central London and in the vicinity of Wembley Stadium.

'Offences included violence and disorder, possession of drugs, possession of an offensive weapon (knuckle duster), racial aggravation, drunk and disorderly and assault of a police officer, who suffered minor injuries.'

More than 50 police officers poured into the area shortly after 9pm to take up position across the five routes into the square.

Leicester Square falls within a dispersal area giving police powers to move people out of the area, and the fans who had remained in Leicester Square didn't put up any resistance to being ordered to leave.

One police officer said: 'No fans are being allowed to congregate here for the rest of the night.'

Police eventually entered Leicester Square at 12.45am to actively encourage fans to leave and they said the area was cleared within half an hour. 

A red flare was set off as hundreds of fans continued to gather, some kicking footballs and others filming on their phones while people sang 'No Scotland, no party' as others clapped and cheered.

Police earlier admitted they had to 'flexibly' manage the huge swathe of fans who took over the English capital.

The stalemate favoured Scotland who were the underdogs going into the highly-anticipated encounter, which leaves them with a slim hope of gaining qualification to the knockout rounds. 

Before the game, there was a party atmosphere in Leicester Square as Scotland fans scaled statues, sprayed each other with beer and chanted together.

Fans parted to allow the Three Lions fans walk through - then tossed beer over them as they hurried by and let off blue and white smoke flares chanting 'I'd hate to be English' before the game which kicked off at 8pm.

The Tartan Army had been in the pub since 10am, trashing central London and leaving the capital's landmarks strewn with detritus having completely ignored pleas from Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Met Police to stay away.

They flouted a Scotland Yard two-day order warning them not congregate in the West End from 3pm yesterday - and instead they partied in Leicester Square where they danced in fountains they filled with foam into the night. 

Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after the England v Scotland game ended in a 0-0 draw on Friday at Wembley Stadium

Scotland fans clamber over a statue of William Shakespeare during their celebrations of the draw  while one supporter wears a cone on his head

Thousands of non-socially distanced Scotland fans party thorough the night and let off flares in London as 18 are arrested

Red flares were set off as fans, many wearing kilts and draped in Scotland flags sang and cheered in the popular tourist spot

The Metropolitan Police said 18 males had been arrested as part of the overall policing operation on a night of revelry in the English capital

Scotland fans chant outside Leicester Square tube station as supporters thronged into the city centre for a night of partying

Thousands had descended on the capital for the crucial game in the group stages of Euro 2020, whose result leaves Scotland with a glimmer of hope

Fans pose in front of a line of police officers after the final whistle in Leicester Square as Scottish supporters celebrated the stalemate

There was a party atmosphere in London on Friday night but not on behalf of the home team who struggled to create chances against their old foes

A bin is knocked over during the night's revelry as fans descended on Leicester Square to party the night away 

England v Scotland is not only the oldest fixture in the world, they have also played one another more than any other two international teams

There were thousands gathered in the London square after the full time whistle as Scottish fans took part in wild celebrations

Fans raised the Saltire, climbed statues and drank into the night on the back of a strong result for their country's football side

Crowds thronged into Leicester Square in central London after the scoreless draw at Wembley on Friday night

Fans were revelling as Scotland made the most of a rare appearance in an international tournament with a strong result against England

Crowds thronged into Leicester Square in central London after the scoreless draw at Wembley on Friday night

An England fan covered in mud is dragged away by police on a night where 18 people were arrested due to a variety of offences

Police have arrested 18 people amid the wild celebrations in central London as Scotland held England to a 0-0 draw at Wembley, sending the Tartan Army into raptures as they continued their drunken revelry in the West End

Fans let off flares and brought Scotland to the English capital as they partied into the night after the famous result against their rivals

Football fans, some draped in Scotland flags and wearing kilts, sang and chanted in Leicester Square after their team's nil-nil draw with England

The arrests included for racial aggravation, drunk and disorderly behaviour and assault on a police officer

Fans chanted after the famous result which leaves Scotland with a glimmer of hope of qualification if they win their final group game

Social distancing is not strictly adhered to as cheering Scotland fans flock to Leicester Square after the result

A huge police presence was in place outside Leicester Square Station as Scotland fans made their voices heard after the full time whistle

The travelling fans gathered around the base of the William Shakespeare statue as they partied until after midnight in the English capital

Scotland fans celebrate in central London after the full time whistle as Scotland held England to a stalemate in Euro 2020

Scottish fans celebrate at the final whistle after surprising favourites England who struggled to gain a foothold in the cagey game

Thousands had descended on England for the highly anticipated clash between the two old rivals which remained goalless

Before the end of the match police cleared fans out of Leicester Square and sealed off the five entrances to the area, wary of any potential flare-ups after a day of partying

Scotland fans react as they support their team in the Euro 2020 game against England in Glasgow

Squads of police in fluorescent yellow jackets formed a human barrier to stop any fan from entering, while the William Shakespeare statue, which was scaled throughout the day, was also sealed off

Although the game was goalless, there was plenty to cheer about for the Scotland fans who were major underdogs ahead of the match

More than 50 police officers poured into the area shortly after 9pm to take up position across the five routes into the square

Scotland fans react to the result at a fanzone in Glasgow during Scotland's first international tournament for years

The Tartan Army's wild celebrations in central London are set to continue as Scotland held England to a 0-0 draw, hours after fans took over the West End with no social distancing in scenes of revelry

Michael Gove and his son sit with Matt Hancock and his wife Martha in the corporate seats of Wembley during the fiery clash

A fan of Scotland wearing a kilt and a hat with badges celebrates at the final whistle for a famous draw with their old rivals

Scotland fans in Glasgow celebrate after the 0-0 draw against favourites England at Wembley Stadium on Friday in Euro 2020

What social distancing? There was little room for space in Leicester Square as Scotland fans massed today ahead of the game

With the absence of an official fanzone, Scotland fans massed in Leicester Square to soak up the atmosphere today

A huge crowd of Scotland fans gather near Leicester Square in the West End ahead of the England versus Scotland Euro 2020 clash

The supporters left huge piles of litter in the popular London square with cans and bottles strewn across the floor after fans moved on

Fans watch the England/Scotland game at the fan zone in Glasgow as they cheered on their national team playing their local rivals

Fans seized the opportunity to jump into the fountain in Leicester Square and take off their shirts as they sprayed water over each other

A fan attempts to clear up the huge amount of litter left in Leicester Square after the fans vacated to make their way to the stadium 

Scotland fans cheer as they support their team in the Euro 2020 game against England on June 18, 2021 in Glasgow

Throughout the day, the Tartan Army were chanting, letting off flares and drinking as they made the most of the rare occasion for an England clash in an international tournament

Scotland fans cheer as they support their team in the Euro 2020 game against England on June 18, 2021 in Glasgow

There were wild scenes of jubilation throughout the day and despite the drunken revelry, police have only made two arrests so far

Fans watch the match wearing costumes at the fan zone in Glasgow as the game got underway

Supporters dance among the litter in central London after thousands of fans descended for the Euro 2020 clash between the old rivals

Fans scaled monuments, let off blue flares and sprayed beer over each other in the party atmosphere in the capital on Friday

Scotland supporters are pictured enjoying the match in Glasgow, some of the people who did not make the trip south of the border today

On Friday afternoon, officers admitted defeat in trying to move on the fans and said they would implement a 'flexible policing plan... to reduce the likelihood of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour'.

Chief inspector Joe Stokoe said: 'We have contingency plans to deal with any number of potential incidents as they arise but my message is clear: if you don't have ticket to the matches, fan zone or officially booked into a pub, bar or club, please do not come to London – you could end up missing the game.' 

After a night of disorder, the fans were back on the beers in the West End today with 20,000 Scots said to be in London already and thousands more heading down by train from Glasgow and Edinburgh throughout the day.

When the hundreds of fans finally dispersed from Leicester Square, the whole area was littered with crushed beer cans, broken bottles and plastic bags.

Most of those fans still chanting were visibly drunk, some barely able to stand and staggering away with the sound of crunching glass underfoot.

Opposite the Hippodrome Casino an Ambulance crews had one fan strapped to a stretcher but before they could take him away he vomited.

His friend was equally drunk and was propped up against a wall by a police officer, but despite the state of many present, no arrests were made.

Many have questioned why Nicola Sturgeon allowed the fans to travel south as she appealed for them to 'stay safe' on Friday and 'be respectful to our hosts'.

She strongly condemned the thousands of Rangers fans who gathered earlier this year to celebrate their league title, but has not spoken out strongly against the Scottish fans descending on London.

Many noted the irony that Sturgeon imposed a travel ban to Manchester and Salford because of rising cases there at the same time as tens of thousands of Scots travelled to London without a ticket to the game.  

Last night supporters hugged and posed with police officers meant to be dispersing them from central London. Thousands of fans also spent the afternoon and evening in Hyde Park, which was strewn with litter including bottles and takeaway packaging. 

Although there were wild scenes of drunkenness, only two fans have been arrested. 

A 25-year-old man was detained last night and cautioned for indecent exposure in Hyde Park, while another man was arrested for trying to take a police officer's hat, assault with intent of avoiding arrest and assault of an emergency worker. He was taken to a south London police station where he remains. 

It came as two men were badly hurt after a fight on the road just behind Leicester Square as Scottish fans partied. The Met says a 55-year-old male is fighting for his life, and police say inquiries are going including into whether it is football related.  

Fans watch the England v Scotland UEFA Euro 2020 match at the fan zone in Glasgow wearing flags on their back and painted on their faces

There were clashes among the Tartan Army, many of whom had arrived on Thursday and had been drinking throughout the day

A topless fan has a run up then slides on the wet pavement to the delight of the gathered supporters during the crazy scenes ahead of the highly-anticipated clash

Scotland supporters who made the nation-wide trip from north of the border sing in the stands at Wembley in central London

When the hundreds of fans finally dispersed from Leicester Square, the whole area was littered with crushed beer cans, broken bottles and plastic bags

Police watched on the proceedings throughout the day but rarely intervened as fans enjoyed the party atmosphere for the highly-anticipated game

Fans watch the England/Scotland clash at the fan zone in Glasgow. They look nervous but their side got off to a strong start and surprised some pundits

Without a flare in the world? Scotland fans today seemed unworried about social distancing or staying dry in London

Flaring up! Scottish football fans arrive in London today for the European Championship tie versus England this afternoon 

Scotland fans donned in their national kits are some of the lucky few to get tickets to Wembley in north London on Friday night

Showing plenty of flare: Scottish football fans arrive in London today for the European Championship tie versus England

After the day of celebrations, fans of both countries made their way to Wembley, with two supporters holding up a bannerin support of Scots who lost their lives to Covid

Scotland supporters kiss among the rubbish after gathering in Leicester Square in central London on Friday afternoon

Scotland supporters hold up their banners as they cheer and sing their way through the opening moments of the game on Friday 

A fan with a Scottish flag draped over his shoulders walks through piles of rubbish left by supporters during the pre-match antics

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square today before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later

There were plastic bags, bottles and cans all over the ground in Leicester Square after the fans descended for the party atmosphere

Fans walk among the mess on the ground by a Burger King on the corner of Leicester Square as the celebrations died down and the fans headed to Wembley

The Tartan Army on the march, as Scottish fans mass in Leicester Square today after the festivities of the previous night

A topless Scotland fan chants while crossing the road at Leicester Square in front of the Hippodrome Casino 

A fan wearing a kilt lets off a blue flair while on somebody's shoulders during the wild scenes of revelry in the English capital today

Scotland fans are seen cheering in the Grassmarket prior to the game in Edinburgh as supporters back home joined in with the party

One fan admirably tries to sweep the rubbish while others walk on as supporters made their way to Wembley or to a TV screen for the match

William Shakespeare was given the Duke of Wellington treatment from Glasgow as a cone was placed on his head with fans dancing around the statue

A number of fans tried to collect the vast amount of litter left in the square after hundreds vacated in the final hours before the game

Hundreds of fans again congregated by the William Shakespeare monument clambering into the fountain and standing atop the statue

Fans pose for a photograph beside a Mr Bean statue as Scotland supporters gather in Leicester Square in central London

A group of fans gather for a photo in Leicester Square after authorities pleaded for supporters only with tickets to head to London

On Friday afternoon, officers admitted defeat in trying to move on the fans and said they would implement a 'flexible policing plan... to reduce the likelihood of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour'

Many have questioned why Nicola Sturgeon allowed the fans to travel south as she appealed for them to 'stay safe' on Friday and 'be respectful to our hosts'

Pedestrians were unable to pass through the huge swathes of fans who had gathered for hours ahead of the game for a raucous atmosphere

One unfortunate fan was bundled over into the mud by a Leicester Square fountain where litter was also dumped by supporters

Nicola Sturgeon urged fans to 'stay safe' but there was no social distancing in sight with fans hugging each other and gathering in small spaces

Back home in Scotland, fans gathered in a fanzone in Glasgow instead of making the trip to London 

Scottish Football supporters on the pints in Leicester Square today - hours after the country's supporters went wild

Scotland fans arriving at King's Cross station show their support today in London ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 match

There were cans of Thatchers and Strongbow dropped on the ground in London despite Nicola Sturgeon's pleas to 'respect' their hosts

By evening, many fans still chanting were visibly drunk, some barely able to stand and staggering away with the sound of crunching glass underfoot

Fans cheer on from a fan zone in Glasgow during the highly anticipated clash between the old footballing rivals

England fans making their way to Wembley or a pub were booed and jeered by the opposing fans during the febrile atmosphere

Scotland fans at Edinburgh Waverley railway station on their way to London today ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 match

On Friday afternoon, more than 1,000 fans packed into a row of restaurants just off Leicester Square, whipped into a frenzy by bagpipe player Martin Brown. 

Wearing full Scottish regalia he led the massed fans as they sang along to his bagpipes, with the thronging crowd making it impossible for others to walk through. 

Police kept watch but only ventured into the crowd after reports of bottles being smashed as fans revelled in the party atmosphere.

One said: 'This feels line a normal football match and we can forget about all this Covid stuff. 

'For many here it's been over a year since we could get away. Playing our biggest enemy just makes it all the more sweeter.

'There's been no trouble. People here just want a bit of fun and a good drink.'

Hundreds of fans again congregated by the William Shakespeare monument clambering into the fountain and standing atop the statue.

Dozens of police were on duty in the area but stood back from the crowds, while fans attempting to enter Leicester Square tube station carrying alcohol were told to leave it behind.

Tube staff swept broken glass from the steps as fans mingled with commuters and shoppers leaving the area.

While face masks are compulsory on the London Underground no attempt was made to stop any of the maskless fans from entering.

England fans making their way to Wembley or a pub were booed and jeered.

Supporters waved the Saltire, chanted and drank during a day of wild celebrations after Scotland lost their first game against the Czech Republic

They're still coming! This Scotland fan was on her way to London today ahead of the big match in Wembley Stadium 

Four patriotically dressed Scottish fans make their way through a wet Hyde Park this morning ahead of the big game

Scotland fans at Edinburgh Waverley railway station today as they prepare to travel to London ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020

Two men were badly hurt after a fight on the road just behind Leicester Square as Scottish fans partied (crime scene pictured). The Met says a 55-year-old male is fighting for his life, and police say inquiries are going including into whether it is football related.

Scotland supporters walk among the rubbish after gathering in Leicester Square in central London

The scene in a trashed Leicester Square this morning after the Tartan Army partied and filled the fountains with foam

A police officer looks on amid the scenes of drunkenness and partying with the ground covered in litter after the day's revelry

Fans danced together while spraying each other with beer during the febrile atmosphere ahead of kickoff on Friday evening

Scotland supporters had partied through the night in central London despite the Metropolitan Police issuing a 48-hour dispersal order yesterday as 20,000 ticketless supporters descended on the capital ahead of Friday night's Euro 2020 crunch match against England at Wembley Stadium. 

Thousands of boozed-up fans draped in flags and wearing Scotland jerseys were seen chanting 'we hate f***ing England' as they jumped into the William Shakespeare fountain in Leicester Square, while others partied hard in Hyde Park - some naked - ahead of the 8pm match.   

Supporters poured off trains at King's Cross Station yesterday, despite just 2,800 tickets being sold to Scotland fans, after Mayor Sadiq Khan pleaded with ticketless supporters to 'enjoy the game from Scotland'. He previously said fans would provide a needed boost to London's hard-hit hospitality sector.

A small number of Scottish fans ventured out into central London for pre- match drinks and a cooked breakfast this morning. 

The advance party of supporters headed to a Wetherspoons pub for early morning pints and breakfasts.

Among them was 27-year-old Josh McNair, who had left his friends sleeping off the excesses of the night before.

'I didn't feel too bad so came for breakfast' he said as he walked into the pub.

'Things will not get going until the afternoon when everyone wakes up and wants a drink' The Wetherspoons was the only pub to open before 11am.'

The Mayor's warnings that the influx of people would cause a 'serious risk' of spreading Covid-19 prompted pubs to cancel bookings, while London Ambulance Service admitted it had no plans to have an increased amount of medics on standby as a mass party broke out in Hyde Park.

Glasgow was previously a hotspot for the so-called Indian coronavirus variant, but has since been downgraded from its high alert status. Though most of Scotland was recently lowered to Level One in the county's five-tier system, 13 council areas are in Level Two as the virus surges.

Scotland Yard has now issued a Section 35 Dispersal Order until 3pm on Saturday, in anticipation of 'anti-social behaviour'. The order gives a police constable and a police community support officer the power to exclude a person from an area for 48 hours with an Inspector's authority.

With rain expected to pour all night into Friday, celebrations could be dampened - meaning that police could have less on their hands than they might otherwise expect ahead of the Euro 2020 clash. 

A Metropolitan Police spokesman tweeted this evening: 'Due to the high profile UEFA EURO Football match between England & Scotland on Friday 18th June at 8pm and the anticipated anti-social behaviour this may bring, a section 35 dispersal authority has been implemented. 

'This has been authorised by Inspector Dodds from 1500 hours 17/06/21 till 1500 hours 19/06/21 in the West End area in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of members of the public being caused alarm harassment and distress and the occurrence of criminality in the local area.'

Scotland fans in the stands show their support prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match at Wembley Stadium

A fan kicks a beachball out of the mud at the base of the William Shakespeare statue which was climbed by the partying supporters

Scotland fans stand on Wembley Way in front of the iconic arch ahead of the huge clash between football's oldest rivals

A supporter draped in the Saltire dances around the muddy fountain in central London as thousands descended on the capital

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland 

Thousands had descended from Scotland for the clash against the favoured England despite travel warnings for ticketless supporters

The Metropolitan Police have issued a dispersal order giving officers the power to remove troublemakers from central London

Mr Khan said: 'Scottish fans are renowned around the world for bringing a party atmosphere with them to the big tournaments but with COVID restrictions still in place on both sides of the border, the best thing for fans without tickets to the game or a safe place to watch it is to enjoy the game from Scotland and not come to London.

'In an ideal world I would welcome the Tartan Army to London for this match with open arms - but with Covid cases increasing, and with so much at stake as we fight this awful virus, I'm afraid that it just cannot be this time, so the best thing to do is not to come to London and instead enjoy the game at home.' 

In February, the Mayor said he wants to see Scots 'coming down to London to watch the Scotland-England game' and said Euro 2020 will be a 'springboard to a recovery, particularly if it's domestic fans only'.

Many booked pub visits well in advance to get the best deals. But, after Mr Khan's more cautious approach this week, many pubs have retracted bookings - with fans claiming it was down to their Scottish post codes.

Supporter Gary Ayton told MyLondon: 'Sadiq Khan said he wants the Scotland fans to travel down; 'feel free to come in book pubs, it will be good for tourism', so everyone has done it, then literally a week later, they're saying 'if you've not got a ticket don't travel'.'  

All 32 trains departing Edinburgh and Glasgow for the capital on Friday are fully booked, and southbound services from Manchester are also extremely busy.

And all bar one train arriving from Glasgow on Thursday were sold out yesterday, meaning the influx of fans has begun more than 24 hours before kick off.

And with no fan zone for those without tickets at Wembley, questions have been raised about where the droves of fans will go on Friday - especially as forecasted rain is set to make outside spaces a no-go. 

The rule of six and strict social distancing measures are still in force indoors, meaning those hoping to watch the match from pubs and sports bars to shelter from the downpour could be facing disappointment.

Most Scottish fans gathered in Leicester Square for a day of revelry ahead of the clash at Wembley between the neighbouring countries

A fan pours a can of Stella Artois over his shirt while his friends look on during the wild scenes in Trafalgar Square on Friday afternoon

Many of the celebrations centred around the William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, which was scaled by the supporters

Footage taken at King's Cross Station showed droves of Scotland fans - several wearing blue football kits - disembarking their train. Several chanted 'we'll be coming down the road', a Scotland Football Team song.

Huge crowds were seen gathered outside the station, with Met Police officers on guard in case the festivities got out of hand. 

Meanwhile, footage taken onboard planes flying into London showed rows of passengers singing Yes Sir I Can Boogie by Baccara - a song unofficially adopted as an anthem by Scotland fans.

Friday's highly anticipated match marks the first clash between the two teams in four years.  

Most fans arriving yesterday admitted they did not have a ticket for the crunch Euro match at Wembley against England and said they would watch the game at a pub.

John McCormak, 35, said ' There was no chance of a ticket, but me and two mates decided to come anyway. It's a great away day and will be made all the sweeter if we win'

Mr McCormak, from Glasgow, said he was staying in a budget hotel near Victoria Station.

'It's a rip off with the price, but the cheapest I could find, I've been down before and there's a good sports bar nearby which will do me,' he added.

His friend Andy Allen 37, said: 'Playing England at Wembley is the one match any Scot fan wants to attend. It's criminal that more tickets were not made available.'

Between noon and 6pm six trains from Glasgow arrived at Euston. Others - equally packed with fans - arrived at Kings Cross station. 

Ticketless fans said they had booked a place at a pub showing the match as part of a package. Others said they planned to find a pub in central London that would house them rather than travel out to Wembley Stadium for the 8pm kick off.

Fans start to disperse leaving cans, bottles and bags on the ground in central London after a day of revelry and drinking

A boy sprays a drink on another Scotland fan in Leicester Square as thousands headed south for the huge Euro 2020 clash

Fans wrap their arms around each other as they smile for a photo next to a pile of rubbish in Leicester Square before the derby

After the day of celebrations in Leicester Square, fans with tickets headed to Wembley Stadium where the chanting continued 

A fan holds a smoke bomb during the prelude to the second ever clash between Scotland and England in an international tournament

Sandy Blake 26, said he planned to spend the night on a friend's sofa and watch the match at a North London pub.

Wearing a kilt and a Scottish football jersey, he said the three day trip would cost him £400.

He said: 'I've got a ticket to watch in a pub near my hotel. Costing me between £300 and £400. If we win, money well spent.'

After the five-and-a-half hour train journey from Glasgow, most fans headed straight to their accommodation. One group of six friends had accommodation booked at a Premier Inn close to Wembley.

Martin Yarrew, 25, said he had reserved a room as soon as the Euro draw was made and faced months of uncertainty about whether he would be able to travel due to Covid restrictions.

He said: 'To be honest, I'm just glad to be here and excited to watch the match. Booking very early meant I got a cheap rate. Others on the train said they were paying over £150 a night.' 

Another fan who arrived was Charlie Archibald, 30. He had a ticket for the match courtesy of his cousin Liam Cooper who is expected to play for Scotland.

Sporting a blue Scotland jersey with 'Cooper' on the back, he said: 'I guess we are the lucky ones with a ticket. My cousin plays for Scotland so he was able to get us the tickets. Didn't cost me anything. We're really looking forward to the match.'

Charlie travelled down to London with friends Robbie Lapsley and David Snedden. They headed to their hotel Hyde Park after their train journey.

Hundreds of Met Police officers are set to form a ring of steel at Wembley to prevent ticketless fans accessing the stadium on Friday night

A Scotsman dressed in a kilt and tartan hat stands on the statue of William Shakespeare in the middle of Leicester Square

All 15 of the train services going straight to London from Glasgow in time for the match on Friday were sold out by Monday this week. Pictured: Trainline search results

It is thought that Scotland will join England in taking a knee to protest racial inequality during Friday's game. 

Hundreds of Met Police officers are set to form a ring of steel at Wembley to prevent ticketless fans accessing the stadium on Friday night.

There will also be a significant police presence in tourist areas of such as Trafalgar Square, as well as at King's Cross and Euston stations. 

There are also concerns about Scotland fans infiltrating the home areas of the stadium as tickets are still changing hands on various resale websites.

The police will work with stewards to stop ticketless fans accessing Wembley Way, and travelling fans in the England sections risk being ejected from the stadium.

Scottish Football Supporters Association founder, Paul Goodwin, questioned why there was no fan zone provided for supporters without tickets in London, adding that Glasgow has one that can take 6,000 seated and socially distanced people.

All bar one train arriving on Thursday was sold out (pictured), meaning the influx of fans has begun more than 24 hours before kick off 

He told The Times: 'There will be plenty of tartan on display as we like coming down and showing off. The fact we have not been part of it [a major tournament] for such a long time is a factor.'

Sven Lister, part of the Roysth Tartan Army supporters club, said that not facilitating a way for fans to watch the match could bring about trouble.

'I reckon there will be about 20,000 or so turning out. It just worries me that they've not done anything. There's going to be groups wandering, possibly not getting to see the football, which would cause trouble,' he told MyLondon.

But Goodwin said that Scottish fans have won awards for their friendliness and good behaviour at the previous two tournaments.

The news comes following disappointment for Scotland fans after their country lost 2-0 in their first match in a major tournament in 23 years, which saw a Czech Republic player score an extraordinary goal from the halfway line.

The game was played at Hampden Park in Glasgow in front of a socially-distanced crowd of 12,000 fans.

The Met's Deputy Assistant Comissioner, Jane Connors, told Sportsmail the force were preparing to deal with an invasion of ticketless fans for Scotland's first game at Wembley since a World Cup qualifier five years ago in what will be only their second tournament meeting in 114 fixtures.

Scenes of fans descending on the capital no-doubt evoked memories of previous Tartan army invasions in London, such as in 1979 (pictured)

Scotland beat England 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in 1977, prompting fans to invade the pitch and pull down goalposts (pictured)

Fans are seen celebrating their sides first goal in the match against England at Wembley in 1977

'We anticipate a significant number of fans are expecting to travel to London,' Connors said.

'I would urge people: please, only come to London if you have a ticket for a match, or fanzone. There are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers and there are limited spaces in pubs and bars and you could end up missing the game. London is still in lockdown and must observe current Government guidelines.'

Mr Goodwin added that said Steve Clarke side's defeat by the Czech Republic may have deterred fans from travelling and complained about the lack of a fanzone for the visitors in London.

'There's less likely to be a mass invasion as people are feeling deflated after the Czech result, but there will be a few thousand without tickets, that's for sure,' Goodwin said.

'In addition to those travelling, as someone who lived in London for 16 years I know how big the Scottish community is down there.

'The official allocation is 3,000 so it could be double that or even more. A Scottish fanzone would have helped keep people away from Wembley. Maybe that decision was taken to stop people from travelling.'

Following Friday's crunch match, Scotland will return to Hampden Park in Glasgow for the final group game against Croatia on 22 June.

About 12,000 people descended on Hampden to watch their match against the Czech Republic on Monday. 

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