EU BETTER BELIEVE IT

UK and Ireland set to host football tournament after Turkey pulls out

- ALAN McEWEN

EURO 2028 HEADING FOR HAMPDEN

THE Tartan Army celebrated the news that "football's coming hame" after it was revealed Euro 2028 is heading to Hampden.

Scotland is to host matches at the 2028 tournament as part of a joint UK and Ireland bid after Turkey pulled out of contention to host it.

Hampden Park is among the stadiums forming part of the fivenation bid which is now the only option on the table for the finals.

Yesterday's announcement of Turkey's withdrawal was hailed by Tartan Army fans keen to have the competition on their own doorstep.

But there are no guarantees that all five nations will qualify for the finals. UEFA's favoured plan is understood to be for all five home nations to go through qualification, with two host nation places available for any failing to qualify.

lain Emerson, editor of the Famous Tartan Army Magazine, said: "I'm pleased that football is coming home to Scotland.

"I think it will be good for the country to be hosting games. It will give people access to matches that they otherwise might not be able to travel to.

"The Tartan Army likes to travel to support the team, but it will be nice to have it on our doorstep.

"Hopefully we can host the party but also be there ourselves. Two host nations will still go through automatically if they don't qualify, which gives us extra chances to get there.

"But we're getting used to qualifying for tournaments so I would be optimistic about getting through on our own.

"And if we get to the final at Wembley we won't have far to go!"

But some Scotland fans say they will miss the chance of to go abroad to cheer on the team.