This past weekend Lynn and I drove down to Glasgow for a weekend visit with our friend Helen. It was a fun-filled weekend with good friends, giving me the opportunity to take part in a couple truly Scottish experiences - a Scottish Football match and a Burns Supper. This blog is Part 1 ... the football match.We went to the Glasgow Celtic / Aberdeen Dons semi final match at Hampden Park with two more Aberdeen friends - Pauline and Louise. We donned our Dons scarves (Pauline loaned me one) and walked through the streets of Glasgow on the way to the Park with huge crowds of mostly Aberdeen supporters. Police were situated on just about every street corner in an attempt to void any unruly confrontations between Celtic and Don fans. There were lots of fans drinking pints at local pubs along our walk - no alcohol is sold at the stadium, so fans drink up prior to the start of the match. Not sure if the approach of not allowing alcohol sales during the game helps much ... it just means fans get intoxicated before they arrive at the Park.
A street vendor was selling various Aberdeen memorabilia, including sheep masks. The gals informed me that since Aberdeen is seen as being farm country ... the other teams' fans call Aberdeen fans sheep shaggers. I couldn't resist buying a mask. (That's me with it on in the photos with Louise, Pauline and Helen).
We arrived at Hampden just before the start of the match. As we took our seats, it was clear we were surrounded by a mostly male group of Dons fans. The language to say the least was quite colorful ... a lot of four letter words ... especially when the Dons quickly fell behind in the match ... within the first 10 mins, Celtic had scored 3 times. Before halftime, Aberdeen was down 0 -4, and several of their fans near us had walked down to the pitch and tossed their Dons scarves on the track in disgust. On a positive note, the weather was relatively good in Scottish terms ... it was dry with temps in the high 30s ... so with my long underwear on beneath my jeans and turtleneck, I was comfortable.
They separate team supporters in the stadium to avoid violence in the crowd. About a third of the stadium seats dedicated to Aberdeen and 2/3's filled with Celtic fans. I was soaking in the atmosphere ... the Celtic sections were waving flags, singing songs/chants ... quite the scene.
The Dandy Dons played better in the second half, scoring one goal and keeping Celtic scoreless, but they still lost 1-4. We left the Park with about 5 mins remaining in the game in an attempt to avoid walking through the streets with disgruntled Aberdeen supporters. All in all, I enjoyed the experience and would possibly go again if the opportunity arises in the future. But I don't think I'll ever become a season ticket holder or an avid follower.
