The sinister side of England fans reared its head as the big Auld Enemy clash drew close.
A group of casuals, clad in trademark dark clothing and wearing caps, were escorted by police out of Euston Station to the nearby Royal George pub.
While pockets of Tartan Army fans were bouncing to “We’ve Got John McGinn” all the English hooligans could offer in retort was: “F*** you jock b*******” and “We f****** hate Scotland.”
Police hoped the menacing change in the station atmosphere was not a sign of trouble to come in the day.
When asked if police had intelligence on the group being escorted, one cop said: “These are the bad lads and we’ll be keeping an eye on them.”
The Met Police refused to comment on whether organised violence had been anticipated but the pouring rain that endured meant most fans were determined to get indoors.
Scotland fan Stuart McGinley, 37, was waiting on friends to arrive when the casuals hit the station.
IT worker Stuart, from Glasgow, said: “The place had been bouncing with good natured stuff from Scotland fans but this lot were something else entirely.
“With all the partying and good natured stiff you tend to get from Scotland fans, this was a reminder of how things can turn the wrong way.
“All I can say is that I hope there’s no bother. That would be a disaster for everyone.”
The Tartan Army took over Leicester Square ahead of the big match.
Former days have seen kilted fans swarm over nearby Trafalgar Square, which was off limits this time round.
Irving Street was packed with more than 1,000 fans in fine voice, and even more were rammed into pubs on surrounding streets.
A large police presence was evident, as flares were set off and fireworks lit as the atmosphere in mid afternoon reached fever pitch.
Fans were well behaved and the vast majority of singing was traditional tartan Army fare - with an occasional chorus of “We f****** hate England” thrown in.
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