COPS SEND HOOLIGAN 'SPOTTERS' TO THE EUROS

Undercover police will mingle with fans to try to flush out hooligans and terrorists

- JOHN DINGWALL

UNDERCOVER Scots cops will be sent to the Euros to protect the Tartan Army from the twin threats of terrorism and German hooligans.

Police Scotland will send spotters to mingle with supporters in Germany when the Euro 24 finals kick off in Munich next month.

At a meeting with fan groups they warned that the Tartan Army will need to be vigilant as German hooligans are already organising to target travelling fans.

And fans will also face the threat of potential targeting of Euros crowds especially at the curtain-raiser with Germany.

Police Scotland set up a meeting with the SFA and the Association of Tartan Army clubs over their safety concerns.

Hamish Husband, spokes person for the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said Police Scotland "spotters" would be mingling with crowds to keep Scots safe.

He said: "The Association of Tartan Army Clubs had a meeting with the Scottish Football Association.

"The question was asked about any new threats, including hooliganism. Police Scotland told us they will have spotters in Germany and they also said it is important for those travelling from Scotland, who will be the second biggest travelling support behind England, to be aware of their surroundings."

Husband, 66, added: "Police Scotland told us they're in almost daily contact with the police in Germany so they have updates on all security issues, which includes terrorism and hooliganism.

"To say that there's a serious, concerted, massive effort in Germany to make sure that this goes smoothly is an understatement."