Jambos are honoured as the best ever in Bordeaux

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS supporters who made the trip to Bordeaux for the UEFA Cup second round, first leg clash have been honoured by the city for their "fabulous" behaviour.

Around 3000 fans made the journey to south west France three weeks ago and the Gorgie faithful won glowing praise for the manner in which they conducted themselves.

Police officials were so impressed that they decided to mark the occasion by presenting the fans with various plaques and souvenirs, the first time they have ever done so.

Frank Jackson, President of the Welsh, Irish, Scottish and English Sporting and Cultural Association in Bordeaux and owner of the Connemara bar which was the central gathering point for the travelling support, visited Tynecastle last night to hand over the special gifts ahead of this evening’s second leg clash.

"The Hearts fans who were over in Bordeaux were fabulous and the best we have had in the city," said Frank Jackson, President of WISE.

"We have had Manchester United and Celtic fans as well as various rugby supporters here but the Hearts guys topped the lot. The first really big contingent of supporters we had was the Tartan Army for the World Cup game against Norway five years ago. Now, you just have to say you are Scottish and that means something special to the city.

"We were told these fans would come to enjoy themselves and that’s exactly what they did. They are known as the best football fans who have been in Bordeaux.

"The Police Municipale as well as the CRS riot police asked me to represent them in Edinburgh and record how impressed they were."

Hearts chairman Doug Smith accepted the gifts on behalf of the fans and said: "It was great to see so many supporters make the trip to France and behave so impeccably.

"We are delighted the authorities in Bordeaux recognised that behaviour and spirit of the Hearts fans who were in France. The fans and locals struck up a great relationship and once again our supporters have represented Scotland, Edinburgh and the club on foreign shores with enormous credit."

Taken from the Scotsman