An anti-Israel protester chained himself to a goalpost before the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Glasgow’s Hampden Stadium.
Friday’s match was being played behind closed doors after authorities uncovered plans for disruptive anti-Israel demonstrations during the game.
An estimated 150 activists gathered outside the Glasgow stadium, with Palestinian flags, banners, and megaphones, and some held replica coffins. A handful of counter-protesters also demonstrated before the game.
The Scottish Football Association said last week that it had been left with “no option” but to ban supporters from attending “following extensive security consultations”.
The protester who entered the stadium on Friday night was reportedly wearing a hi-vis jacket, so may have been disguised as a steward. He used a heavy-duty lock to secure himself to the goalposts and was eventually cut from the posts and led away from the pitch by police. Kickoff was delayed by 45 minutes.
Police remove the protester from the goalposts during the Israel Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier (Photo: Getty Images)
After the disruption, the Israeli team held up a T-shirt bearing an image of hostage Naama Levy and the message “Bring Them Home”.
Kickoff demonstrators could be heard outside booing, blowing whistles, and setting off pyrotechnics.
Scotland’s women triumphed 4-1 over Israel.
This week, anti-Israel activists also staged protests outside the hotel where Israel’s team were staying ahead of the match.
Anti-Israel protesters outside the Israel-Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier (Photo: Getty Images)
When the match was moved behind closed doors, the Football Association said: “Due to updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties, the Scottish FA regrets to confirm that the forthcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park on May 31 will now be played behind closed doors.
“The away fixture, due to be played in Hungary on June 4, will also be played behind closed doors.
“The stadium operations team were alerted to the potential for planned disruptions to the match and, as a consequence, we have no option but to play the match without supporters in attendance.”
