Scotland's Tartan Army has received official approval from Miami City Commissioner Rolando Escalona to continue their tradition of placing traffic cones on statues, a practice that has become a hallmark of their World Cup journey in the United States.
Commissioner's Endorsement
In a video shared on Instagram by user @cunnin9ham_, a Scotland supporter asks Commissioner Escalona outside a pub in Little Havana whether the tradition has official backing. Standing beside a brightly-coloured chicken statue already sporting a cone, the fan says: "His whole family is police officers, his mum, his dad and his brother. And you're the commissioner, so we can put cones up?"
Escalona replies: "Yes sir, we are here to support you guys. We are so happy. Welcome to Little Havana, we hope you have fun today. I know you will." The fan responds, "We will bring the party bro," before they share a hug. The video has garnered over 6,500 likes.
Previous Concerns
The approval comes after a video earlier this week showed Miami police ordering a Scotland supporter to remove a cone from a statue, telling him he "wasn't in Boston anymore." This sparked fears among fans that the tradition might not be welcome in Florida as they arrived for their third World Cup match against Brazil.
Around 50,000 Tartan Army members had previously descended on Boston for Scotland's opening matches against Haiti and Morocco. In Boston, police embraced the influx, with officers filmed doing keepy-uppies in the FIFA Fan Zone and attempting to play the bagpipes. Fans were allowed to drink openly on the streets and place cones on statues without interference, with locals joining in.
Social Media Reaction
The commissioner's endorsement delighted Scotland supporters on social media. One user commented: "Now let him tell his officers." Another said: "Better late than never. Glad to hear this." A third, apparently American, added: "Come on Miami get the party going with Scotland it's only a short time people need happiness. Welcome them to Miami Florida, it will help your tourism industry. The Scottish are the most welcoming people."
However, one user joked that Boston had already won the Tartan Army's hearts, writing: "The commercial implications make it legal. Good for them. But Boston won their hearts."
Impact on Tourism
The contrast between Miami and Boston has been a talking point among travelling supporters. Commissioner Escalona's approval is seen as a boost to Miami's tourism industry, as the Tartan Army is known for its good humour and friendly atmosphere. The tradition of coning statues, originally a Glaswegian custom, has become a symbol of Scotland's World Cup adventure.
