Man padlocked personal neck to aim publish at Hampden Park delaying Scotland Vs Israel

A demonstrator chained himself to the goalposts during Scotland’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Glasgow’s Hampden stadium on Friday evening, causing a delay in kick-off.

The man used a heavy-duty bike lock to attach himself to the posts in protest against Israel’s military operation in Gaza.

As a result, the Israeli women’s national team was escorted off the pitch and the game didn’t start until 19.05pm, once the protester had been detached from the goalpost.

In response to “updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties”, the Scotland FA decided to hold the match behind closed doors. Public protests against Israel’s military operation in Gaza have been a common sight across the UK.

A representative from the Scotland FA stated: “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.”, reports the Mirror.

On the same evening, approximately 400 individuals, some carrying miniature coffins and Palestinian flags, congregated outside the main stand of Hampden stadium before the game started. A small number of counter-protesters also made their presence known prior to the match.

The Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee, one of the groups present, called for the cancellation of matches altogether.

Ahead of the clash, Police Scotland had their say: “Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.”

Following a ban by Uefa due to security fears after the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s military response, Israeli teams have been playing on neutral turf in Hungary.

The Scottish lasses will face Israel again this Tuesday in Budapest for the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers, but fans will have to catch the action from home as it’s a behind-closed-doors affair.

Despite these measures, protestors are still turning up at match venues to make their voices heard.