- A man tied himself to a pole while wearing an anti-Israel top, delaying the match
- There were heavy protests outside the Israeli team hotel and Hampden Park
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Scotland’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel was postponed after a protester chained himself to a goal post wearing an anti-Israel T-shirt on Friday evening.
A large crowd gathered to protest outside Hampden Park, shouting ‘stop the game’, while demonstrators chanted ‘shame on them’ outside the Israeli team hotel.
The match at Hampden Park was scheduled behind closed doors due to safety fears from ‘planned disruption’ in the stands.
The kick-off was postponed until 7.05 pm after a man secured himself to the post with a sturdy bicycle lock.
The Israeli women’s team was led off the field as police removed the man and took him away.
Scotland-Israel clash postponed after anti-Israel protester chained himself to a post
The protester – whose T-shirt read ‘RED CARD FOR ISRAEL’ – was untied and led away
Pro-Palestinian supporters waved Palestinian flags outside the ground before the match
The Scottish FA had made the decision to play behind closed doors after being warned of planned disruptions.
Several hundred protesters gathered outside Hampden Park on Friday evening, with some waving Palestinian flags and carrying small coffins.
According to the newspaper, they were met by counter-demonstrators in the run-up to kick-off Daily mirror.
Even at Israel’s team hotel on Thursday, demonstrators had shouted through megaphones, waved Palestinian flags, beat drums and chanted “shame on them.”
The away match, which will take place in Hungary on June 4, will also be played behind closed doors.
Israel cannot organize it itself because UEFA banned them from holding matches after the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s response.
Scotland currently sit second in the qualifying group, behind Serbia in first place on goal difference.
A statement from the Scottish FA ahead of the match read: ‘Following updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties, the Scottish FA regret to confirm that the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Qualifying Match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park in May 31 will now be played behind closed doors.
Reportedly, 400 protesters gathered outside the stadium and were met by counter-protesters
The Israeli national team was escorted off after the man stormed the field and chained himself to the goal post
Several police officers led the man away and into the stadium after arresting him
The man held his fingers in the air as a team tried to free him from the goal post
Protesters chanted ‘stop the match’ outside the stadium, while others had earlier protested outside the Israeli team hotel
Scotland came second in the qualifying group, while Israel came fourth
“The stadium operations team were alerted to the possible planned disruptions to the match and as a result we have no choice but to play the match without fans present.
‘Measures have been taken to provide an automatic and full refund to those supporters who have already purchased tickets for this match.
‘We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the decision, but the safety of supporters, players, team staff and officials is of the utmost importance.’
Police Scotland said ahead of the match: ‘Appropriate policing plans have been put in place to maintain public safety and minimize any disruption to the community.’
More to follow.