Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier delayed due to protests

Scotland Women’s European Championship 2025 qualifier against Israel was delayed as a protester chained himself to one of the goal frames at an empty Hampden Park.

Originally scheduled for a 7:05pm BST kick-off, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) made the decision to play the match behind closed doors in response to planned disruptions potentially affecting the game. As a result, supporters who had previously purchased tickets were offered a full refund.

Photographed in a “Red Card for Israel” T-shirt, the protester appeared to affix themselves to a goalpost using a padlock fastened around their neck.

Following their removal from the field, the match commenced around 7:35pm BST. At present, it remains unclear how the protester managed to gain access to the stadium.

A number of other protesters have also been pictured by the ground outside the doors of the main stand.

Last week, the SFA said in a statement that “the stadium operations team were alerted to the potential for planned disruptions to the match” and, as a result, took the decision to play the game without fans in attendance.

Israel started its offensive in Gaza in response to the attack on southern Israel on October 7, when more than 1,000 Israelis were killed.

Scotland, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their impressive start to Group B2 with a win against Israel.

The Athletic has contacted the SFA for comment.

(Steve Welsh/Getty Images)