Germany changes uber-strict law that will make a huge difference to Tartan Army

SCOTLAND fans will be free to chant and party at their final Euro 2024 group match – after Germany eased its uber-strict Sunday noise laws.

Under bonkers rules, ultimately enforceable with jail, neighbours are required to report anyone making noise at lunchtime, late at night – or anytime on a Sunday.

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The laws would ordinarily ban footie fans from crowding together to watch late games in bars and beer gardens – or even stadia – unless they stood in near silence.

But officials have now signed off on a one-month exemption for the summer’s Euros, where tens of thousands of Tartan Army fans are set to descend in June.

The move means groundsmen can also trim the pitch at Stuttgart’s MHPArena ahead of Scotland’s June 23 match with Hungary – with LAWNMOWERS traditionally banned on Sundays.

That crunch match could prove vital in Steve Clarke’s hopes to bring a Scotland side out of the group stage of a major tournament for the first time.

Iain Emerson, editor of The Famous Tartan Army Magazine, said: “There will be a party before, during and after every Scotland game in the Euros.

“But the Hungary game on the Sunday could be an extra special one if we seal our spot in the knockout stages for the first time ever.

“I’d not heard about these laws but I’m glad sense has prevailed. We want to be able to party as much as possible rather than it being like a silent disco.

“The final is also on a Sunday so the Tartan Army will be celebrating a famous Scotland win then too.”

A source said: “Germany’s noise laws are really strict – and the punishments for breaking the curfew can be really harsh.

“Getting together and celebrating is part and parcel of the Euros so we’re really hoping for an exception so we can have outdoor screenings.

“The tournament would have been impossible without this change.”

Under the quiet time rules, known as Ruhezeit, making noise between 10pm and 6am or on Sundays is forbidden.

Under the existing laws, bars, clubs and fan zones would not be able to show the football freely outdoors without the prospect of fines.

But around half of the tournament’s 51 games kick off at 9pm – meaning they would not finish until around 11pm.

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It’s sparked officials to change laws, meaning events will be permitted to run until late.

But speakers must be placed as far away from residents as possible and the volume kept low.

Noise laws in Germany are so strict that running the washing machine or vacuuming could lead to a hefty fine or court appearance. If left unpaid this can result in jail.

Noise is also banned between 1pm and 3pm – meaning construction workers must down tools.

Environment minister Oliver Krischer said: “We want this great football festival to be able to take place in the stadiums and at major events with public viewing.

“But also in the small corner pub and in the beer garden, where football fans want to watch and celebrate.”

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