News / Reports

FIFA fine fails to deter Scottish activists condemning Israel

Tuesday, 09 November 2021 2:50 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 09 November 2021 2:50 AM ]

Robert Carter
Press TV, London

The Scottish Football Association have been fined over £8,000 by world footballing body FIFA after fans booed the Israeli anthem during last month’s World Cup qualifier in Glasgow.

FIFA also noted that Palestinian flags were allegedly waved by Scottish fans, condemning the incident as “inappropriate”.

Further protest against the controversial fixture took place outside the stadium before the match. Press TV contacted one of the organisers to gauge their reaction to FIFA’s disciplinary action.

"FIFA has long played a game of saying when people point out what Israel is doing to Palestinian footballers that they are guided by the British Home Office. Well we don't have any faith that the British home office will say anything to FIFA, while the UK sells arms to Israel, other than to allow them to play like a normal state."

Scotland eventually won the match 3-2, effectively eliminating Israel from the World Cup.
But this probably won’t be the last time Israel plays in Scotland.

In 2018 the SFA itself banned fans from bringing any flags other than Scotland and Israel’s to a match between the two sides in the Nations League. The ban however is being ignored by fans, meaning that further clampdowns on Palestinian activism many be on the cards in Scotland’s football world.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk