SCOTLAND fans have been praised for their conduct as a night of celebration took place after the national team's 1-0 victory over Haiti.
Assistant chief constable Stuart Houston said he wanted to "recognise the conduct of football fans across the country" after the night went relatively smoothly, with only a few incidents requiring a police response.
"Officers were deployed across Scotland as part of our proportionate policing plan and I'm delighted to say most reported fans in good spirits, conducting themselves in a responsible manner, with only a couple of isolated incidents requiring our involvement," he explained.
There was one arrest of a 30-year-old man in Inverness after reports of a disturbance, during which a police officer was assaulted but did not require medical treatment. The man is due to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court at a later date.
In a separate incident, a 37-year-old man was seriously assaulted on Main Street in the Neilston area of Glasgow. He was taken to hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Fans across Scotland had stayed up into the early hours of Sunday morning to watch the men's national team play in their first World Cup match in 28 years.
Midfielder John McGinn secured the victory with the only goal of the game, coming in the 28th minute.
In America, where the team was facing off against Haiti, the Tartan Army has been praised by local politicians, commentators and local businesses for their enthusiasm and conduct, with John Swinney saying "it takes goodwill, it takes an impression of Scotland and shares that with the wider world".
Fan zones were set up across Scotland, including in the Hydro in Glasgow and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh.
Pubs in several local authorities were also granted permission to extend their licenses to serve alcohol during the game which kicked off at 2am (UK time).
Houston added: "I want to recognise the conduct of football fans across the country following Scotland's opening World Cup match.
"In the early hours of Sunday, 14 June, 2026, fans zones across the country welcomed supporters, with many establishments receiving extended licences. Police Scotland liaised with organisers in advance to help deliver a safe and secure environment for all to enjoy the occasion.
"Officers were deployed across Scotland as part of our proportionate policing plan and I'm delighted to say most reported fans in good spirits, conducting themselves in a responsible manner, with only a couple of isolated incidents requiring our involvement.
"In Inverness a 30-year-old man was arrested and reported in connection with a disturbance. A police officer was assaulted during the incident but did not require medical treatment. The man is due to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court at a later date.
"Around 3.40am on Sunday, 14 June, a 37-year-old man was seriously assaulted on Main Street in the Neilston area of Glasgow. He was taken to hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
"We will continue to support our partner agencies and local businesses throughout the tournament, at what is an exciting time for Scottish football fans."
