SCOTLAND’S players have dodged a stinging attack at Euro 2024 after BEES invaded the stadium where they are set to play.
Steve Clarke‘s men are due to complete their Group A campaign against Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday.
But trained firefighters had to race to the Stuttgart Arena on Tuesday to tackle a swarm of bees.
The honey-producing insects had built a nest inside an advertising board by the side of the pitch.
Officers from Stuttgart’s fire brigade raced to the scene, wearing protective white suits, boots and masks.
They managed to remove the bees after an hour’s patient and delicate work, placing them in transport boxes to ensure their human neighbours are beekeepers rather than goalkeepers.
It was the second time the nectar-loving nuisances had set up home in the Stuttgart Arena in a month.
A fire brigade spokesman said: “The digital advertising board had to be partly dismantled to get the bees out.
“A member of the stadium’s technical staff supported us in our efforts.
“The bees had to move house once again, just like they did in May when VfB Stuttgart played Bayern Munich.
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QUALIFYING for back-to-back Euros is an achievement in itself and the Tartan Army are sure to make the most of it.
The Scots recorded a famous 2-0 win over Spain in qualifying, but come into the Euros off the back of seven games without a win.
MANAGER: Steve Clarke
Only Jock Stein, Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown have managed Scotland in more games than Jose Mourinho’s former assistant.
STAR MAN: John McGinn
The Aston Villa star has reached new levels under Unai Emery’s tutelage and is crucial to a midfield that provides most of Scotland’s goals.
How Scotland attack
Scotland’s three-man midfield will be crucial with the likes of McGinn and Scott McTominay providing lung-busting runs and coming up with most of the goals.
Target man Lyndon Dykes is set to be a big miss with Che Adams likely to step in as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation.
How Scotland defend
Scotland will put ten men behind the ball in a deep 5-4-1 block out of possession.
They will work extremely hard to deny the opposition central spaces between the lines, forcing them to resort to wide play and crosses which the Scots feel more comfortable defending.
Read the full Scotland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
“On that occasion a swarm of them arrived in the stadium.
“Luckily no fixtures were scheduled for the Stuttgart Arena on the Tuesday.
“At no time were players or spectators put in danger.”
BBC pundits were attacked by hornets during the half-time break of England’s win over Serbia.
Scotland had a miserable start to the Euros after being humiliated 5-1 by hosts Germany in the tournament’s opening game.
They play Switzerland tonight knowing another loss will leave them with an uphill battle to qualify for the last 16.
Meanwhile Ryan Porteous, of Watford’s Hornets, is out for the rest of the group stage after being handed a two-match ban following his red card against Germany.
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
