Now Here To Hyde

London mayor rejects Tartan Army pleas for fan zone in city centre park

- Mark McGivern

LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected pleas from the Tartan Army for a fan zone in London’s Hyde Park.

More than 20,000 Scots supporters are heading to London for the England clash on Friday. But the fan zone snub has left thousands of them with nowhere to watch the crunch match.

Tartan army deluge

20,000 fans invade London for big game, with torrential rain forecast

MORE than 20,000 Tartan Army footsoldiers are set to invade London as Scotland attempt to resurrect their Euro 2020 dreams at Wembley.

But they have been warned they face torrential rain on Friday – and a frosty reception from London mayor Sadiq Khan who told them not to travel without a ticket or a “safe space” to watch the game.

Only 3500 Scots fans have tickets for the match, with an estimated 17,000 aiming to see it in pubs around the city.

Many fans were hoping for a big party in Hyde Park but Khan insisted there will be no official fan zone for Scots there or anywhere else in the city.

Scotland supporters have traditionally congregated in Trafalgar Square before clashes with the Auld Enemy.

But that has been designated a fan zone for local key workers and will be ticketed.

Last night, fans pleaded for facilities for the Tartan Army to watch the game.

Connor Wilson tweeted: “Just put a big screen up in Hyde Park next Friday and keep us aw happy, doesn’t take much.” Stacey C added: “Going to head to Hyde Park and see. We think that’s where most fans will be. A sort of unofficial fan zone.”