Protester Delays Scotland’s Women’s Euro 2025 Qualifier Against Israel
In a dramatic turn of events, a protester chained himself to the goalposts before the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Glasgow’s Hampden stadium. The match, which was already being played behind closed doors due to security concerns, was further delayed as the man used a heavy-duty lock to secure himself to the posts. His protest was in response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
The Israeli team, upon returning to the field after the delay, made their own statement by holding up a T-shirt with the message “Bring Them Home” during the official team photo. This was in reference to hostages taken by the Hamas group. Finally, after a delay of 45 minutes, the game kicked off.
Earlier in the day, several hundred people, some carrying small coffins and Palestinian flags, gathered outside the main stand doors. It seems that the protester who gained entry to the national stadium had initially been mistaken for a steward due to his wearing of a hi-vis vest. Eventually, he was cut free from the posts and escorted off the pitch by police.
The players, meanwhile, were seen discussing whether it was safe to return to the pitch shortly before the match began. Understandably, there were concerns about the overall safety of the players given the tense atmosphere surrounding the match.
Once the game started, there were demonstrations outside the stadium with booing, whistling, and the letting off of fireworks. A small group of counter-protesters also made their presence known. These events reflect the ongoing public demonstrations against Israel’s military operation in Gaza that have been taking place across the UK.
Last week, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) made the difficult decision to bar supporters from attending the match after extensive security consultations with all parties involved. This decision was necessary to ensure the safety of all involved.
It is worth noting that Israel has been banned from hosting any football matches by UEFA for security reasons following the attack by Hamas on October 7th and the subsequent Israeli military response. As a result, the Israeli national side and its club teams have been playing fixtures at neutral venues in Hungary.
The return game between Scotland and Israel, scheduled to take place in Budapest, will also be played behind closed doors. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all participants and minimize any potential disruptions.
Overall, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and the impact it has on international sporting events. While it is important to respect the right to protest, it is equally crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved in these matches.