The start of the Scotland Women vs Israel Women Euro 2025 qualifier game was delayed by 45 minutes after a protester chained himself to one of the goalposts at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the stadium with Palestinian flags. The anti-Israel protester entered the stadium wearing a hi-vis vest so that he may have been mistaken for a steward, before the women’s teams’ pre-match anthems.
The protester used a heavy-duty lock to tie himself to the posts in protest at Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The match was scheduled to be played behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Last week, the Scottish Football Association stated that it has been left without any option rather than to suspend fans from entering the stadium after extensive security conclusions with all key parties.
After the start was delayed, both sides returned to their respective dressing rooms. Campaigners and charities including Show Israel the Red Card and Scottish Friends of Palestine were part of the protests outside the stadium.
A few moments later, the protester was cut free from the posts and led from the pitch by police. The game eventually kicked off 45 minutes later than planned, with Scotland winning the game by 4-1 winners.
When both teams entered the field after a long delay, the Israeli team held up a T-shirt highlighted with the message “Bring Them Home” about hostages taken by the Hamas group.
After a long wait, the match started off with the sound of demonstrators outside booing, blowing whistles, and setting off fireworks.
“Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.”
Police Scotland said as quoted by the BBC.
It is important to note that UEFA banned Israel from hosting any football matches due to security reasons in the aftermath of the 7 October attack by Hamas and the Israeli government’s military response.
As a result, the Israel national team and its club sides have competed at neutral venues in Hungary. Furthermore, The return game between Scotland and Israel scheduled on June 4, Tuesday in Budapest will also be played behind closed doors.
