"It's an old cliche that never quite measures up to reality, and I think -- I hope -- that most of a fair mind would say the same of my compatriots. In fact, I'm quite confident that fans of Celtic and VfB Stuttgart will enjoy and appreciate each other's generosity of football spirit when the pair meet in one of the most eye-catching two-legged UEFA Europa League confrontations in the next few days."
"To me, VfB Stuttgart represent an underrated footballing and cultural force outside Germany and a few eyes will be opened as to their power and appeal. It all starts with the distinctive Brustring (the red ring or hoop around the team's white shirt). Last August, the club celebrated 100 years of the Brustring, and the accompanying organic choreography from the always passionate Cannstatter Kurve left you with that hair on the back of your neck feeling on that day against Borussia Mönchengladbach."
"For some odd reason, Stuttgart is rarely mentioned as one of the bucket list places to watch a football match, but it really should be. Just under 60,000 fans pack into the MHP Arena at every home game through good times and bad, and it's akin to a rite of passage. The team has a large catchment area in the South West and for many fans in the area, it would be simply incongruous to support anyone else."
A longstanding joke compared Scots with Swabians for alleged Geiz (frugality), but clichés rarely reflect reality. Celtic and VfB Stuttgart supporters are likely to appreciate each other's generosity of football spirit during an eye-catching two-legged UEFA Europa League tie. VfB Stuttgart project significant footballing and cultural strength, anchored by the iconic Brustring and the fierce choreography of the Cannstatter Kurve. The club recently celebrated 100 years of the Brustring. The MHP Arena regularly attracts just under 60,000 spectators and serves as a ritual destination for many in the South West catchment. The club is a three-time Bundesliga champion and four-time Pokalsieger, including a recent cup victory.
Read at ESPN.com
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