There was heartbreak for Arabs at the weekend as Dundee United crashed out of the Scottish Cup on penalties but, for many fans, it was still a day to remember.
The Tele travelled with the 0845 Arabs supporters’ bus to capture the excitement of the semi-final occasion.
On the journey to Hampden Park, supporters were in high spirits, despite the difficult season they have experienced.
Nearly 500 Arabs descended on the Bannockburn Miners Club for a pitstop complete with songs, sausage butties and even a mechanical bull.
For Darren Davidson, 42, who works at the Salty Dog bar on Crichton Street, Saturday’s cup-tie marked his first-ever live football match.
He told the Tele: “I met a few of the guys from the 0845 Arabs through the bar and they invited me to come along to the game.
“I’ve watched plenty of games on TV over the years but it doesn’t compare to this. The whole day and travelling here with the fans has been a great experience.”
0845 member Bob Ogilvie was watching the game with his family. His son Reece had travelled up from England in the hope of a Tangerines victory.
Bob said before the game: “Myself, my wife and my grandson follow the team everywhere, and my young lad has come up from Durham, so it is going to be a really special day for all of us.
“We have all followed United through thick and thin and only missed two games all season.
“It would mean the world to us to reach the final.”
One fan, David Benvie, 50, had travelled all the way from Ruthin in North Wales for the match. The offshore wind farm worker stressed the importance of staying positive.
He said: “We should have won it and missed some really good chances. We have to stay optimistic and focus on doing what we can to stay up.
“The cup would have just been a bonus.”
Daughter Ashley, 21, had travelled from Edinburgh. She added: “There is no shame in losing on penalties and their keeper did incredibly well. Everything he had to do, he did right.”
But while the mood was one of cautious optimism going in, several fans voiced their frustrations following the dramatic cup exit, after what has been a bitterly disappointing league campaign.
Peter Milne, 70, wanted to see a clearout at the top.
He said: “I want to see the manager and the chairman take responsibility for this and step down.
“In my opinion, we should never have sacked Jackie McNamara.
“We have been loyal supporters home and away for years and we’ve had enough.”