The sun was splitting the skies over Tannadice, adding to the carnival atmosphere of the first SPL Dundee derby in seven years.
The streets around the stadium were a sea of tangerine and dark blue as fans made their way to the ground for Sunday’s big match, which ended in a 3-0 victory for United.
Ahead of the match, it was clear that supporters from both sides of the city divide were delighted to see the derby back on the fixture list.
Dundee United fan Craig Lyons said: ”It’s fantastic. It’s a great buzz about the place. It’s going to be a great game.”
Dundee fan Jamie Forbes said: ”It feels really good to be back in the premier, even though we got back in by default. I’m not feeling confident. We are pretty much the underdog. We hope for the best though.”
United fan Mark Petrie said: ”It’s the first time we’ve played them in seven years in a competitive game. Half of our mates are Dundee FC fans and half are United. I reckon it’ll be 3-1 to United.”
Joe McDonald said: ”I’ve come all the way from Sunderland. I’m a Sunderland season ticket holder but I’ve come all the way to support Dundee United. There’s no way I’m going to miss the first derby in seven years.”
Dundee fan Robert Adam said: ”I’m excited. It’s been a long time coming. It’s like a cup game, anything can happen. Everyone’s up for a good game. It’s like a carnival atmosphere round here.”
Space in bars around the ground was scarce with thirsty fans pouring in for a pre-match pint.
Chris Airlie, owner of the Troll Inn in Arklay Street, said: ”We have been extremely busy. We opened at 11am. There’s plenty of the lads outside walking about. I think everybody’s up for it. Everybody’s in a happy spirit.”See Monday’s Courier for in-depth reaction and analysis of the big gameOver at Dundee Social Club the mood was tense as supporters who could not get a ticket for the game got ready to watch the match on TV.
Fan John Anderson said: It’s the best game in the Scottish football season. I think we will win.”
Another supporter said: ”It’s fantastic to see Dundee back in.”
Well-known football pub The Snug Bar was full of fans. One barman said: ”It’s packed, it’s a brilliant atmosphere.”
Over at The Barrels, Jane Ellis said: ”We’re snowed under. Trade’s brilliant. It was packed just before the game.”
Shops close to the stadium were also enjoying a bumper Sunday.
Wilma Robertson from Arklay Street Mini Market said: ”It’s been busy since we opened at 8am. It’s a great atmosphere about.”
Naveed Rubbani, from the newsagents in nearby Court Street, said: ”It’s been much busier than usual. It’s been good spirits.
”There’s no sign of any trouble. They’ve been quite good, there’s been no hassle.”
Laura Gibson, who works at Dundee United Direct, said the official team merchandise shop had been mobbed.
She said: ”We opened at 10 this morning. It’s been constant since then very, very busy.”
A police spokeswoman said the match had passed off peacefully.