Scottish FA bans fans from women’s Euro match with Israel

Scotland women’s Euro 2025 match against Israel will be played behind closed doors following a decision branded “deeply disturbing”.

In a statement, the Scottish FA said: “Due to updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties, the Scottish FA regrets to confirm that the forthcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 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 Jewish Leadership Council said it was “deeply disturbed” at the decision of the Scottish FA. In a social media post, the JLC said: “Sporting boycotts of Israel do nothing to help the people of the region and instead import division from an overseas conflict to the detriment of our own community cohesion. Sport should unite us”.

Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC), Nicola Livingston,  told Jewish News: “I am pleased that the Scottish FA did not buckle in the face of opposition, and that the match will continue to take place. But I am concerned that we still face a noisy minority, and it’s crazy that we cannot go about our lives as normal, taking part in regular activities and going to football matches.”