MEMBERS of the Tartan Army have been praised for their impeccable behaviour before and after Wednesday's thrilling England v Scotland match at Wembley, as football chiefs admitted the fixture was so successful it could become a regular event.
An estimated 20,000 supporters travelled to the capital to watch Gordon Strachan's team go down battling to a 3-2 defeat at Wembley Stadium. Those who could not find tickets for the friendly, the first fixture with the Auld Enemy since 1999, enjoyed watching it on TV in the capital's bars.
But they left behind a huge clear-up operation with Westminster City Council workers spending the day clearing 10,000 beer cans from the main gathering point for Scotland fans in Trafalgar Square.
David Brand, head of security and integrity at Scottish Football Association, said: "In speaking to all relevant authorities last night and again this morning, the general consensus is that the Scotland fans' behaviour throughout was impeccable.
"We had 20,000 fans travelling to London and we have only been alerted to two arrests for minor offences outside the stadium. I think that statistic alone is testament to the fun but respectful manner in which the Scotland supporters travel.
"I know the fans would like to see the fixture played more regularly and I firmly believe that the excitement created in London and the atmosphere generated inside Wembley can only enhance the prospect of a return match at Hampden Park in the not-too-distant future."
Westminster City Council said it triumphed over litter, as well as finding one or two weary Scotsmen in the square yesterday. The council began the two-hour clean-up at 6.30pm yesterday with a team of 20 workers clearing two tonnes of beer cans.
Scottish fans covered walls with the blue and white Saltire flag in the shadow of Nelson's Column.
Washing-up liquid was added to the water in the fountains as the supporters spent the day partying.
The Metropolitan Police said there were two arrests at the match - one for drunk and disorderly behaviour and one for public disorder.
A drunken fan was also arrested for dancing naked in a fountain in Trafalgar Square yesterday afternoon.
Leith Penny, Westminster City Council's strategic director for city management, said: "This was one almighty clean-up. Our crews worked hard round the clock to get London back to normal for our residents and businesses this morning."
One council official added: "It was nice to vanquish the auld enemy of litter, and we even found one or two weary Scotsman in the square."
Two people were taken to hospital with head injuries after paramedics were called to Trafalgar Square.
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