A young Dundee United fan has been hailed an “absolute legend” for leading a clean-up among fans in Amsterdam.
Lucas Lowdon, 6, filled bin bags with discarded cans and bottles after a day of partying in the Dutch capital ahead of United’s game against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
At least 1,300 fans have travelled to the Netherlands, and the party began on Wednesday as hundreds gathered in Nieuwmarkt Square.
A group of supporters stayed behind to collect rubbish following the festivities – with Lucas singled out for praise among fans online.
Lucas’s dad, Neil, says he could not be prouder of his son’s actions.
He told The Courier: “Even back home in Dundee, if we go out and see litter, Lucas wants to clean it up.
“We were enjoying the party in the square yesterday when Lucas asked me what was going to happen to the rubbish that was building up.
“He said he wanted to help the street cleaners so I bought a roll of bin bags from the supermarket on the square and Lucas started handing them out to fans.
“It triggered an impromptu clean-up as more fans got involved.
“The police then came over and he had a group photo with them with one officer holding his Dundee United flag.”
Neil, a season ticket-holder at Tannadice, is no stranger to following United abroad – but this is his first trip with Lucas.
The pair have tickets for the game and are confident their side will progress to the next round.
Neil added: “The atmosphere and the good nature of the United fans has been fantastic.
Very proud of junior Foundation member Lucas Lowdon. Lucas was the top man in the Nieuwmrkt Square clean-up last night. Even the local constabulary appreciated his efforts. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/az2rx5Cdl8
— DUSF (@DUSF2017) August 11, 2022
“We’ll be heading to AZ Alkmaar’s ground ahead of the match for another party.
“If it’s anything like yesterday I think we’ll need to buy a new roll of bin bags too.”
Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation tweeted to say it was proud of junior foundation member Lucas, calling him a “top man”.
Hats off to the @dundeeunitedfc fans who took the time to clean up Neuimarket Square in Amsterdam after a wee pre-match party this evening. Proud To Be An Arab 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/a3s51mOpcC
— DUSF (@DUSF2017) August 10, 2022
One fan branded Lucas a “wee hero” while another added: “Absolute legend.”
The efforts of United fans also won praise from elsewhere – with the Scottish Football Away Days Facebook page, which has more than 100,000 followers, posting: “Hats off to the Dundee United fans who took the time to clean up Nieuwmarkt Square in Amsterdam after a pre-match party last night.”
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