Teenager chains himself to goal post during Scotland-Israel match to protest Israeli bombing of Gaza

ANKARA

Ahead of the women's Euro 2025 qualifying match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow, a demonstrator chained himself to the goal posts to protest against the Israeli military operation in Gaza, according to local media.

The atmosphere surrounding the Scotland-Israel match, which took place behind closed doors for security reasons, was disrupted when a 19-year-old man chained himself to the goal posts and protested against continued attacks Israeli troops in Gaza, STV News reported on Friday.

When play resumed, the Israeli team's gesture, brandishing T-shirts demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas, added another layer of complexity to the match.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered outside the stadium, waving Palestinian flags and symbolic coffins, reflecting a public outcry against the ongoing conflict.

Despite the upset, the match finally resumed 45 minutes later, but not without echoes of dissent ringing in the air from protesters and counter-protesters.

“I think it is cowardly that they kept us away from our own national stadium,” the TV station quoted the protesters as saying.

“They silenced us, as supporters and demonstrators,” they decried.

STV News quoted protesters calling: “We should be out there making noise in front of the television, instead they keep us outside and silent.” »

“The decision to play the match in an empty stadium was taken following updated intelligence and 'extensive security consultations' with key parties involved,” the broadcaster said, citing a statement released by the Scottish FA football (SFA).

“Due to updated intelligence and extensive security consultations with all key parties, the Scottish FA regrets to confirm that the next qualifying match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park on May 31 will now be played at behind closed doors”, underlined the SFA.

“The stadium operations team have been alerted to the possibility of planned disruptions to the match and, as a result, we have no option but to play the match without fans in attendance.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this decision, but the safety of fans, players, team personnel and officials is of paramount importance,” the statement added.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Since then, more than 36,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority women and children, and nearly 81,800 others have been injured, according to local health authorities.

Nearly eight months into Israel's war, large swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide by the International Court of Justice, which in its latest ruling ordered it to immediately suspend its operations in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians had sought refuge to flee the war before its invasion on May 6.

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