Protester chains himself to goalposts at Scotland v Israel Euro qualifier

A protester has chained himself to the goalposts at Scotland’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Glasgow’s Hampden stadium.

The match was delayed after the man used a heavy duty lock to secure himself to the posts in protest at Israel’s military operation in Gaza.

The teams then returned to the dressing rooms.

The match is being played behind closed doors for security reasons, but some reports said the demonstrator may have been mistaken for a steward as he had been wearing a high-vis vest.

About 400 people, some carrying small coffins and Palestinian flags had earlier gathered outside the doors of the main stand.

When the match kicked off demonstrators booed and blew whistles, and a number of fireworks were let off.

A handful of counter-protesters also demonstrated before the group B2 game.

Last week, the SFA said it had been left with “no option” but to bar supporters from attending “following extensive security consultations with all key parties”.

Public demonstrations against Israel’s military operation in Gaza have been happening regularly across the UK.

One group – the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee – arranged a protest before the game at Hampden and called for the matches to be cancelled.

Police Scotland said: “Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.”

Israel was banned from hosting any football matches by Uefa for security reasons in the aftermath of the 7 October attack by Hamas and the Israeli government’s military response.

Instead, the Israeli national side and its club teams have played fixtures at neutral venues in Hungary.

Tuesday’s return game between Scotland and Israel in Budapest will also be played behind closed doors.