Supporters gathered in the port city of Piraeus have been hit with a mobile alert from the Greek government.
Greece v Scotland – Nations League playoff preview
Scotland fans partying in Greece have been warned to ‘stay indoors’ amidst a fire scare near Athens.
Supporters gathered in the port city of Piraeus have been hit with a mobile alert from the Greek government warning them of a blaze that has taken hold in nearby Tavros, according to local reports.
The Tartan Army have taken over Piraeus ahead of the national team’s Group A playoff showdown with Greece tonight at 7.45pm. The match is being played at Olympiacos’ stadium the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus.
Fans soaking up the atmosphere were all hit with a shock text which flashed up with an Emergency Alert. Punters in a square were pictured checking their phones as the message – similar to the alert used for major storms in the UK – pinged through to their devices.
The message was shown in both Greek and English and reads: “Fire in progress in Attika Tauros. The smoke is heading towards your area. Stay indoors, close doors and windows.”
Supporters were urged to follow instructions of the authorities with a link to the Greek government website attached.
Local media are reporting that the fire was sparked in a plot of land in the Tavros area of southwestern Athens and had burned through wooden pallets and rubbish.
According to reports the plot of land is located next to the training centre of Olympiacos around five miles from the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis where fans will head over the next few hours. It is not believed the blaze will currently have an impact on fans travelling to the stadium.
It is reported that 11 fire engines and 25 crew members had rushed to the scene with no houses in the vicinity in danger.
Greek news site ekathimerini reported: “An emergency alert was issued via 112 urging the public to avoid venturing outside and keep windows closed, as plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising from a densely urban area, covering the western suburbs.”
Videos circulating on social media shows thick black smoke billowing across the city from the site of the blaze. It is not currently known if there have been any injuries, however it is understood fans have not encountered any smoke.
Hamish Husband, spokesperson for the Association of Tartan Army Clubs told the Record: “We were sitting having lunch and there was two alerts. The first one flashed up and the second was one 10 minutes later.
“It was a bit of a surprise. Most of us haven’t seen anything like that since Storm Eowyn, some of us thought it was a weather alert from back home.
“The waiter in the restaurant says it happens all the time here but we’re right in the centre of Piraeus and we’ve not seen anything. Athens is a huge city.
“I think they have had to deal with a lot of bad wildfires so it just shows how seriously they take things over here. But everyone is enjoying themselves and the wonderful Greek hospitality. It’s a fantastic city.”
It’s not uncommon here. All at the same time, once and then 10 minutes later.
The Tartan Army faithful have been making the most of their time in Piraeus and didn’t let the alert dampen their spirits.
Kilted fans were spotted posing for pictures with locals and downing beers in the city’s main square as they enjoyed the spring sunshine.
Steve Clarke’s men will face off against their opponents to keep their place in Group A of the Nations League. Around 1,600 Scotland fans are expected at the clash which is due to kick off at 9.45pm local time.
The return leg will see Greece travel to Glasgow to face the national side at Hampden on Sunday evening.
