Scotland v Israel game delayed after protester chained himself to goalposts

Scotland’s game with Israel at Hampden Park was delayed after a protester gained entry to the stadium and chained himself to a goal post.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s side are to take on the visitors at the national stadium with a decision made to play the game behind closed doors amid fears it could be disrupted by protesters.

As the game was due to kick-off, the teams returned to the tunnel after a protester entered the stadium and chained himself to a goalpost.

The European Championship qualifier got under way at around 7.30pm, 25 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time.

Campaigners and charities, including Show Israel the Red Card and Scottish Friends of Palestine, hit out at the SFA over the decision to host the fixture.

On Friday, a large demonstration took place in the car park in Mount Florida with a Palestinian flag laid out on the ground and protesters taping their mouths closed.

Close to kick-off, the Pro-Palestinian protesters were met by a counter protest and moved from their position back towards the tunnel of the stadium.

The national anthem of Palestine could be heard being played over a speaker in an attempt to drown out the Israeli national anthem inside the stadium.

Demonstrators told STV News: “I think it is cowardly that they have kept us out of our own national stadium.

“They have silenced us, as fans and as protesters.

“We should be in there making a noise in front of the television, instead they are keeping us outside and silent.”

The decision to play the game in an empty stadium was reached following updated intelligence and “extensive security consultations” with key parties involved, said the SFA.

A statement read: “Due to updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties, the Scottish FA regrets to confirm that the forthcoming qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park on May 31 will now be played behind closed doors.

“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.”

The head of communications for the Israeli FA told STV News the decision to play the match behind closed doors was made by the Scottish Football Association, saying they have full confidence in the governing body.

UEFA decided that all of Israel’s home games, including against Scotland next Tuesday, will be played in Hungary due to security concerns.