Scotland v Israel Euro tie to be played behind closed doors over security fears

SCOTLAND’S Women’s team will be forced to take on their Israeli counterparts at Hampden Park behind CLOSED DOORS.

That’s after “updated intelligence” led to increased security fears around the match.

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The UEFA Women‘s Euro 2025 qualifier between the two teams will still take place as scheduled on May 31.

But the SFA have revealed that no fans will be allowed entry to the match – with those who have already purchased tickets given automatic and full refunds.

The away match – set for Hungary on June 4 – will also be played behind closed doors.

They wrote in a statement: “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.

“Measures are in place to provide an automatic and full refund to those supporters who have already purchased tickets for this match.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the decision but the safety of supporters, players, team staff and officials is of paramount importance.”

Israeli teams have continued to play in Uefa competitions in the wake of the war in Gaza in October last year, but their home fixtures have been played in Budapest in Hungary. 

Scotland are in a group with Israel, Serbia and Slovakia as Pedro Martinez Losa’s side look to qualify for Euro 2025 and their first major women’s tournament since the 2019 World Cup.

They’re unbeaten so far, having opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against Slovakia and a 0-0 draw with Serbia.

Israel lost both of their opening matches in April.

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