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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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Scottish soccer fans bringing one of their most recognizable traditions to Miami were met with a swift police response—but officials say the aim was safety, not enforcement.
Footage from a World Cup fan zone in downtown Miami’s Biscayne area shows a supporter briefly placing a traffic cone on the head of the Juan Ponce de León statue, a seven-foot bronze monument by Spanish sculptor Enrique Monjo. Moments later, a nearby police vehicle sounded its horn, and the cone was quickly removed.
The video, filmed by Scottish fan Lauren Witherspoon, captures her startled reaction, including the line: “I s*** myself a wee bit there when that siren went off,” as well as her remark that “there’s still time” for police to warm to the traveling supporters.
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Speaking to Newsweek, Witherspoon said the moment unfolded over the course of a morning visit to the fan zone on Sunday.
“I went to check out the fan zone and when I was entering the cone was on the statue’s head,” she said. “Me and another woman thought, brilliant, and I took a video.”
She said that when she later returned, the cone had been removed—prompting another group of fans to act.
“When I was leaving the cone was off, and two other Scottish fans were obviously not having that,” she said. “One decided to get the cone on the head, so I encouraged the guy and filmed him.”
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Witherspoon said she had noticed police vehicles nearby before the intervention.
“I got such a fright when the police siren went off,” she said, adding that she did not know the fan involved personally. “He’s just a fellow Tartan Army foot soldier.”
Police Stress Safety, Not Crackdown
Miami police said their response was intended to prevent injury rather than stop the tradition altogether—particularly given the risks associated with climbing on statues.
“Our top priority was ensuring the safety of everyone in attendance,” Officer Michael Vega from the Miami Police Department told Newsweek. “While we wanted to avoid anyone getting hurt or risking a fall while placing cones on the statues, we did allow it—and they were able to do so safely.”
Vega added that the Scottish fans have been "a wonderful crowd" and added that authorities encourage fans “to have a great time while staying mindful of their safety,” with police, firefighters and local officials present throughout the event.
‘Shocked’ After Boston Reception
The fan seen placing the cone, Chris Nicoll—who goes by Sketch—said he did not initially realize the siren was directed at him.
“They set off sirens, then the horn—I didn’t think it was for me until he got out the car,” he told Newsweek.
Nicoll said he had been surprised by the response after a markedly different experience in Boston earlier in the tournament.
“We were in Boston before and we’re in an Uber to fly home—we made him turn round and then booked flights to Miami,” he said.
“I was shocked after the reception we got in Boston. Initially I was a bit p*****, but I totally understand—we have to respect the culture of where we are.”
He added that despite the moment, his overall experience in the U.S. had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Honestly the Americans have been so welcoming, just incredible—we love it,” he said. “We just want to mix with everyone and create the best experiences.”
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A Tradition That Travels
Placing traffic cones on statues is a long-running hallmark of Scottish supporter culture, most famously linked to the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow, which has been repeatedly “crowned” for decades.
The prank has since become an unofficial signature of the Tartan Army as it travels to international tournaments—a mischievous but widely recognized gesture that often signals their presence in host cities.
Caution Meets Celebration
While the moment at the statue suggested a more cautious approach to certain fan traditions, the overall picture in Miami has been one of welcome.
Thousands of Scottish supporters have flooded the city in recent days, with large crowds gathering in Little Havana before marching through the streets to a Miami Marlins game—where locals joined in with chants, music and celebrations.
The Tartan Army has turned typically low-key events into high-energy spectacles, with more than 20,000 fans helping transform a routine baseball game into an “electric” atmosphere.
Fans have been embraced by residents, with reports describing Miami locals welcoming the influx of kilts, bagpipes and street parties—mirroring scenes seen earlier in Boston, even if the tone around certain acts differs.
That wider reception aligns with Miami police’s own stance, which emphasized that supporters are encouraged to enjoy themselves—provided safety is respected.
With Scotland set to face Brazil in Miami on Wednesday, June 24, more fans are expected to arrive, extending what has already become a city-wide celebration.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang.
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