Pro-Palestine protests planned for Scotland’s match against Israel

THOUSANDS of protesters are planning a “campaign of disruption” at Hampden in defiance of a decision by the Scottish Football Association to play a match against Israel at Hampden next week behind closed doors.

The Herald has reported that pro-Palestine activists have been trying to find ways to get round ticketing rules to enter Hampden as part of the demonstration.

They have sent messages to all MPs and MSPs, including the First Minister and the Prime Minister in the past few days saying that the match should not be played along with the return fixture.

READ MORE: Crackdowns on pro-Palestine movement show how fragile democracy is

The Show Israel The Red Card group say that politicians should push to get an immediate suspension of the Israeli Football Association from the world football governing body FIFA and its European equivalent UEFA.

They have indicated that there are double standards between how the authorities have dealt with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine and how Israel is being treated.

The pro-Palestine campaign group Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee, which has been soliciting for tickets, are preparing a stunt at Hampden as part of a continued protest at the game on May 31.

Spectators have been banned from the match between Scotland Women and Israel Women with the SFA saying the decision over the European Championship qualifier was made after its “stadium operations team were alerted to the potential for planned disruptions” at the Group B2 game.

The return women’s international, which is scheduled to be played in Hungary on June 4, is also to be played without fans in the stadium.

Decisions to play those games without supporters come amid public protests over Israel’s continued military operation in Gaza.

READ MORE: Football fans could face bans for having pyrotechnics under new rules

The SFA says it had “no option” but to play the Hampden match behind closed doors because of the updated intelligence and “following extensive security consultations with all key parties”.

It is understood that to appease the protesters and refuse to play the games would result in two forfeited matches and Scotland’s Women would lose 3-0 twice.

SFA say that is for UEFA to determine whether Israel participate in the competition or not.

Ticket sales for Friday’s game had previously been limited to members of the official Scotland Supporters Club or to those to have attended previous women’s matches to reduce the risk of anti-Israeli protests.

The Scottish Friends of Palestine has said that the plan is to have a mass demonstration in response to the SFA’s stance in the wake of Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attacks and thousands are expected.

“They want it to be business as usual but there will be disruption,” said a spokeswoman. “There will be thousands there and that in itself should stand for something. A stunt is being organised.

READ MORE: SNP puts ‘Scotland making better decisions’ at front of election campaign material

“The main argument here is the stark difference in the way Russia is treated after invading Ukraine compared to Israel.

“Despite it being the world’s longest… occupation [of Gaza], Israel is allowed to compete without exception in world events.

“These include the recent Eurovision Song Contest and sports tournaments such as the upcoming UEFA Euro qualifier, two examples out of many where Russia remains barred due to its invasion of Ukraine.”

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has insisted he would lead his team – regardless of how comfortable he was with the game going ahead – after naming his squad for the double-header.

“As a head coach, I am not in control of these circumstances,” he said. “Focus remains on qualifying for the Euros and giving the best to the team and protecting the players to ensure we can perform to the best level.

“UEFA has put us in a position where we have to play these games, with Israel in this group. We cannot control anything else.

“When we meet in every camp we analyse the challenge we are going to face. On this occasion we will discuss with the leadership group what is necessary to be done to make sure we are in the best scenario to compete home and away.

“Whether I’m comfortable or not from my personal view, the job has to be done for Scotland and I remain focused on the role.”

An SFA spokesman said: “The Scottish FA, like all participating national associations, is obliged to fulfil fixtures under the terms of the tournament regulations.”