THE closed doors clash between Scotland and Israel women was delayed tonight after one pro-Palestine activist breached security and chained his NECK to one of the goalposts at Hampden.
No fans were allowed access into the national stadium to attend the match against their Israeli counterparts, with the SFA announcing it would be played behind closed doors “following extensive security consultations with all key parties”.
Hundreds of protestors gathered outside the stadium ahead of kick-off to make their feelings heard regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East, with chants of “stop the game” ringing out long after the game was meant to kick-off.
The match was pencilled in for a 7.05pm kick-off but it was unable to get underway after the protestor made his way onto the turf.
The game was eventually given the go-ahead at 7.35pm after a 30-minute delay following extensive efforts to unchain the individual.
It took a lengthy period to release the activist and the Hampden staff required bolt cutters to get the job done.
The protestor stood wearing a top which read ‘Red Card For Israel’ and held his arms up in the air while staff attempted to set him free.
Both sets of players had already made their way onto the pitch to get the show on the road but they walked back down the tunnel and headed to the dressing room after seeing the incident unfold.
It’s understood the individual was posing as a steward to gain access to the inside of the stadium.
Those who gathered to protest outside the stadium were made aware of the situation after one person who was leading the chants shouted: “Friends, the game has been delayed. Because somebody representing us has chained themselves to the goalposts”
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The news was met with loud cheers from the hundreds in attendance.
After being released from the goalpost, the protestor was escorted off the pitch and outside of the stadium by cops.
SunSport has contacted Police Scotland and the SFA for comment.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
