THE dust has settled, and the delirium and bedlam have dissipated slightly after Scotland’s stunning 4-2 victory over Denmark which sent them to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Politicians have now piled onto the celebrations, with one MSP suggesting extraordinary honours for Steve Clarke, while others have floated bank holidays and late licences for pubs.
Labour MSP Michael Marra tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament to support a knighthood for Scotland manager Steve Clarke after he became the country’s most successful ever manager.
The Scottish Greens have called for a bank holiday to coincide with Scotland’s opening World Cup game, while the Lib Dems and Conservatives have called for pubs to be given extended licenses to show games at 2am.
The nation came to a collective stop when Kieran Tierney stroked home a glorious outside-of-the-box finish to send Scotland 3-2 up in the dying minutes of the game against Denmark on Tuesday.
Then came a moment of absolute catharsis and euphoria as Kenny McLean’s wonder strike from his own half sealed the deal and ended 28 years of World Cup doldrums.
Aside from sending Scotland to the world’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years, the goal also sealed manager Steve Clarke’s status as his nation’s most successful ever.
Clarke is now the longest-serving Scotland manager in history and the first to send the Tartan Army to three major international tournaments.
This has led one Scottish Labour MSP to the extraordinary conclusion that Steve Clarke deserves to be knighted by the King for his services to Scottish football.
MSP for North East Scotland Michael Marra submitted a motion, backed by 10 other MSPs from across the political spectrum, to the Scottish Parliament calling for Clarke’s knighthood just hours after the final whistle.
In a statement, he said: “Arise Sir Steve Clarke! A Knighthood is the least Scotland’s coach deserves for uniting the country in total joy by guiding Scotland to our first World Cup in almost 30 years.
“People across the country were celebrating on Tuesday night after our incredible victory against Denmark, and being knighted would reflect the joy that Steve has given to us all.
“What a game. And the goals. And we have now even seen Steve Clarke smiling.”
He added: “Scotland has a proud history of great managers who have received a knighthood, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, and Sir Kenny Dalglish.
“Steve Clarke would be a worthy and welcome addition to that list.
“With three qualifications for major tournaments, our longest serving manager is now the most successful in the national team’s history.”
There have also been cross-party calls for government and councils to coordinate on late licences for pubs to show games as late as 2am.
Scotland could play as late as 2am GMT, but pubs – who could show the game – often choose not to stay open that late due to statutory requirements for CCTV, first aiders, and the licence holder to be onsite between 1am and 5am.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have both backed plans to “push the boat out” and provide special dispensation for pubs.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “After years of heartache, what a night and what a way to show we belong on the biggest stage of all.
“Just think how many kids are going to be trying to recreate McTominay’s ludicrous overhead [kick] or McLean’s epic lob.
“While a lucky few head over the Atlantic, the appetite for watching Scotland’s games back here is going to be off the scale.
“I want to see government and councils work together to give fans the best experience.
“Huge fan parks could be set up across the country so we can gather to watch our games on the biggest screens in stadiums or parks.
“Pubs could be given special dispensation to show their matches in the event that they are scheduled for late at night.”
He added: “What an achievement for Steve Clarke’s men and this generation of players.
“Let’s push the boat out at home so we can make the most of every twist and turn, and fingers crossed a few more wondergoals.”
Douglas Ross, MSP and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives backed these plans after a question in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
He said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity in parliament to celebrate the fantastic achievement of Steve Clarke and the squad, ending nearly three decades of hurt for the Tartan Army.
“The whole country has come together to join in such a magnificent moment, with many still pinching themselves that the waiting is finally over.
“This success also offers a great chance for the Scottish Government to work with local councils and deliver flexibility around licensing laws.
“Depending on the kick off times, the Tartan Army should have the chance to celebrate here and in turn deliver a huge boost for Scotland’s struggling pubs.
“Scotland’s qualification has shown how sport can bring the country together and like everyone else I am excited to see who we draw and for the World Cup to begin next June.”
Pub licencing rules and rules for events like fan zones in public parks are largely controlled by local authorities.
The Scottish Greens have suggested that the day of Scotland’s first game in the World Cup, whenever that may land, should be a bank holiday.
Speaking yesterday, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “Last night was a long overdue and historic result for Steve Clarke and his players, even if the last 15 minutes were a rollercoaster.
“There are millions of us looking forward to seeing our men’s team playing on the biggest stage.
“Lots of people will already be counting down and thinking about how they can make sure they get the day off work.
“Football is for all of us. What better way to bring the country together than to make it a bank holiday and ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to watch it?”
Under the Scotland Act (1998), the Scottish Government has the power to legislate for bank holidays.
The SNP are proposing that, like Scotland’s crunch fixture against Denmark, all of Scotland’s games should be free-to-air at the World Cup.
SNP MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston Fulton MacGregor said: “I was privileged to be at Hampden on Tuesday with my young son, and the memories of an incredible night will live with me forever.
“I hope that this magnificent achievement will inspire a future generation of young people to take up football and sport in general.
“We are all now looking forward to next summer when the Tartan Army will no doubt be fantastic ambassadors for the country, and back the team in their thousands with their usual enthusiasm and humour.
“People across the country were able to watch Scotland’s historic victory on free-to-air television – after a successful campaign led by the SNP, and colleagues across the political spectrum.
“As the current arrangement comes to an end, people risk being shut out of future successes.
“I raised this issue at First Minister’s Questions today and the SNP will get behind the campaign for all Scotland’s international men’s and women’s matches to be available for all to watch at no extra cost.”
On potential honours, he added: “Steve Clarke doesn’t need a knighthood to know how much his team’s achievement means to the entire nation but if anyone deserves one it’s him.”
Scotland will find out the time and date of their games, as well as their opponents on December 5 at 5pm GMT, when the World Cup group stage will be drawn.
