Scottish FA – “No option but to play the match without supporters” | OneFootball

We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see our international Ghirls in action as Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel is now going to be played behind closed doors.

The match was originally supposed to take place at Hampden Park on 31 May in front of fans, but the Scottish FA have now made the aforementioned decision due to security concerns.

In a statement released today on their official website, the SFA said: “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.”

They added: “Measures are in place to provide an automatic and full refund to those supporters who have already purchased tickets for this match.”

It was also noted that the away qualifier against Israel on 4th June will also be played behind closed doors.

Within the next two months, FIFA will hold a meeting to determine if the Israel FA should be suspended from international competitions. This comes after the Palestinian FA called for this meeting to move forward, accusing Israel of having violated FIFA’s rules. FIFA are seeking legal advice before moving ahead with any decision.

Pedro Martinez Losa, Scotland Women’s head coach, says that he’ll lead his team despite his personal feelings on the issue. He said: “As a head coach, I am not in control of these circumstances. 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. 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.”

Scotland Women currently sit second in Group B2 after a draw and a win in their opening two qualifiers against Serbia and Slovakia respectively. Israel sit bottom following two losses.

Pedro named his squad for these qualifiers last week. From the Celtic squad, Kelly Clark was chosen whilst Amy Gallacher was controversially left out. Pedro showed face at Celtic Women’s game against Hearts that day and fans made their thoughts clear, chanting to oppose his decision when Gallacher scored a goal that evening.

Your first chance to watch Scotland Women in person will be 16 July, when we face Serbia at Hampden, and surely Amy Gallacher will get a call-up for that one?

Jessica Elliott

PS Have a listen to my interview with Elena Sadiku yesterday afternoon at Celtic Park, exclusively for The Celtic Star…

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