Scotland’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Hampden Park was met with unexpected disruption as a protester gained entry to the stadium and chained himself to a goalpost just before kick-off. The incident unfolded during the pre-match national anthems, leaving both teams and fans bewildered.

The protester, wearing a “Red Card for Israel” shirt, used a heavy-duty lock to secure himself to the goalpost, making it challenging for authorities to remove him promptly. Police eventually managed to free him at 7.20pm, fifteen minutes after the scheduled kick-off time. Meanwhile, both sets of players retreated to the changing rooms while protests continued outside the stadium.

The match, which was already being played behind closed doors due to safety concerns, proceeded at 7.35pm. The stadium’s operations team had decided to host the game without fans after being alerted to the potential for planned disruptions. UEFA had ordered the match to go ahead despite anticipated protests calling for Israel’s expulsion from international football amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Earlier this month, the Scottish FA announced the decision to play without fans following extensive security consultations. Police had also put measures in place to maintain public safety and minimise community disruption.

Scotland’s head coach, Pedro Martinez Losa, expressed his team’s commitment to the match despite the unusual circumstances. The return fixture has been relocated to the BSC Stadium in Budapest, Hungary, on June 4. Scotland aims to secure six points from both games to boost their play-off hopes, currently tied with group leaders Serbia in Group F.

As the national anthem of Palestine played over the stadium speakers, an attempt was made to drown out the Israeli national anthem—a poignant moment reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding the match.