Protesters gather ahead of Scotland v Israel match<br /><br />Protesters have gathered outside Hampden ahead of Scotland’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel over the country’s military operation in Gaza.<br /><br />A group carrying small coffins and Palestinian flags stood at the doors of the main stand prior to kick off.<br /><br />The match is being played behind closed doors with no fans in attendance due to security concerns over “planned disruptions”.<br /><br />The group B2 game is scheduled to kick off at 19:05.<br /><br />Why Scotland are playing Israel in women's qualifier<br /><br />Scotland v Israel to be played behind closed doors<br /><br /><br />Last week, the SFA said it had been left with "no option" but to bar supporters from attending "following extensive security consultations with all key parties".<br /><br />Public demonstrations against Israel's military operation in Gaza have been happening regularly across the UK.<br /><br />One group - the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee - has arranged a protest before the game at Hampden and called for the matches to be cancelled.<br /><br />Police Scotland said: "Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community."<br /><br />Protesters carried Palestinian flags and small coffins to the demonstration<br /><br />Israel is banned from hosting any football matches by Uefa in the aftermath of the 7 October attack by Hamas and the Israeli government's military response.<br /><br />Instead, the Israeli national side and its club teams have played fixtures at neutral venues in Hungary.<br /><br />Tuesday's return game between Scotland and Israel in Budapest will also be played behind closed doors.
