Scotland fans face big charges for Wembley banners

THE Tartan Army are facing four-figure fees if they want to take giant flags to Wembley for August’s game with England.

The Tartan Army in full swing during the 1998 World Cup, the last major tournament Scotland qualified for. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Wembley and the FA charge £1250, plus VAT, for fans to bring overhead banners into the stadium. The cash is used to pay for staff who ensure banners pass safely across the stands.

Fans’ spokesman Hamish Husband described the charge as “completely ridiculous” and “bizarre”.

The Wembley rulebook states that large banners must also be cleared by Health & Safety officials before the match. Any flags more than 2.5 metres across are prohibited without express permission.

The guidelines state: “Permission must be sought in advance from the stadium and event owner to arrange use of the very large supporter flags that are designed to be passed over people’s heads.”

“In such cases the flag must be flame retardant and the organiser bringing the flag into the stadium will need to provide the appropriate H&S certification.”

Over 20,000 fans are expected to travel to London for the game, which conincides with The FA’s 150th anniversary.