Belarus boss wanted Scotland fans at 'abnormal' World Cup qualifier Tartan Army are locked out of

Carlos Alos believes his side can get something against Steve Clarke's side who he has challenged to prove their favourites status

Belarus boss Carlos Alos has suggested he’d have been happy to see the Tartan Army at Monday's World Cup qualifier, writes Scott McDermott in Zalaegerszeg.

UEFA have banned Belarus from playing games in their home country due to their support of Russia - and insist on matches behind closed doors.

Their clash with Steve Clarke ’s side is taking place at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, with no supporters allowed in.

Belarus have played their last three competitive games here, picking up three draws.

But Spanish coach Alos is adamant it WON’T be an advantage to them against Scotland because football should always be for fans.

And with a small band of Tartan Army diehards still making the journey to Hungary, the Belarus gaffer says they shouldn’t be denied seeing their team play.

Alos said: “Look, I don’t want to interfere in things. I’m not a lawyer.

“But I talk in general - we play for supporters. This is the main goal of football.

“I don’t want to go inside particular situations but of course we want to play with supporters.

“We’d feel better with that because we are professionals, so it’s normal for us.

“What is abnormal is to play behind closed doors. That’s my feeling and I’m sure the feeling of any player on the field tomorrow.

“Is it an advantage for us against Scotland? I don’t think so.

“We never get to play at home or even prepare in our home for matches. I don’t see an advantage in that.

“I would like to see a stadium full of fans for all matches.

“Of course, it might help us because we know this particular stadium.

“But if you ask any coach, if he prefers to play home or away, it’s always home.

“This is our home for now. But it’s like when you don’t buy a home, you rent one.

“It’s not the same. It’s not your home. But we’re happy and appreciative of the support we receive.”

Belarus were delayed in getting to Hungary after their 5-1 Group C defeat to Athens on Friday night - after having to apply for visas to come to Scotland NEXT month for their game at Hampden.

But despite their poor start to the World Cup campaign, Alos believes they can get something against Clarke’s side.

He said: “It was a difficult start for us, we had a bad match. We didn’t compete.

“But this is a new game and we’re focused on getting a good result.

“We saw the Scotland game in Denmark and for the most part they were defending instead of attacking. Tomorrow will be a different game.

“We will try to be ready for it but it’s tough for us.

“We have to trust our capabilities and believe in ourselves. We won’t start as a victim or make excuses.

“We are Belarus, we trust our players. We have confidence that we can achieve a positive result.

“Scotland have to confirm on the pitch their status as favourites in this match.”

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