Scotland’s Israel match delayed as pro-Palestine protester chains himself to goalpost

The Euro 2025 qualifier between Scotland and Israel has been delayed after a protester broke into Hampden Park and chained themselves to a goalpost.

The women’s match, which Scotland won 4-1, was already being played behind closed doors due to security concerns and “planned disruptions” but hundreds of people had still gathered outside the stadium ahead of the 7.05pm kick-off.

The protesters were chanting “stop the game”, as well as carrying small coffins, waving Palestinian flags and displaying banners which called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Police Scotland appeared to have the situation under control but a protester had managed to get inside Hampden Park and, shortly before kick-off, duly forced a delay to the match by chaining themselves to a goal.

The protestor was removed from the goalpost after about 15 minutes, with the players then remerging for a second warm-up before the match began about 30 minutes later than scheduled.

The police had said before the match that “appropriate policing plans”, which included drones, would be in place to maintain public safety and minimise disruption.