Scotland Women’s conflict vs Israel DELAYED as man chains himself to submit

Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel was delayed after a protestor chained himself to a goalpost wearing an anti-Israel t-shirt on Friday evening.

Several hundred activists protested outside Hampden Park shouting ‘stop the game’ while demonstrators had chanted ‘shame on them’ outside Israel’s team hotel.  

The match was scheduled behind closed doors due to fears of ‘planned disruption’ in the stands. 

Kick-off was delayed to 7.05pm after a man secured himself to the post using a heavy-duty bike lock.

Israel’s players were led off the pitch as police took away the demonstrator. 

Scotland’s clash with Israel was delayed after an anti-Israel protestor chained himself to a post

The protestor – whose t-shirt read ‘RED CARD FOR ISRAEL’ – was unchained and led away

Pro-Palestinian supporters waved Palestine flags outside the ground before the match

The Scottish FA made the decision to play behind closed doors after being alerted to planned disruptions. 

Several hundred protestors gathered outside Hampden Park on Friday evening, with some waving Palestine flags and carrying small coffins. 

They were met by counter-protestors in the build-up to kick-off, according to the Daily Mirror. 

Even back at Israel’s team hotel, demonstrators had shouted down megaphones, waved Palestinian flags, banged drums, and chanted ‘shame on them’ on Thursday. 

The away fixture, which will take place in Hungary on June 4, will also be played behind closed doors. 

Israel cannot host it themselves as UEFA banned them from holding fixtures after the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s response. 

Scotland are currently second in their qualifying group, behind first-placed Serbia on goal difference.

A statement from the Scottish FA prior to the match read: ‘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.

A reported 400 protestors gathered outside the stadium and were met by counter-protestors

The Israel national team were led away after the man invaded the pitch to chain himself to the goalpost

Several police officers led the man away and into the stadium after detaining him

The man held his fingers up in the air as a team worked to unchain him from the goalpost

Demonstrators chanted ‘stop the game’ outside the stadium while others had earlier protested outside Israel’s team hotel 

Scotland came into the match second in their qualifying group while Israel were fourth 

‘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.’

Police Scotland said ahead of the match: ‘Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.’