Vandals daub 'Palestinian Blood' message on Partick Thistle's stadium in anti-Israel protest ahead of Scotland tie

Partick Thistle’s ground has been targeted with political graffiti ahead of Scotland's UEFA Euro 2020 play-off against Israel.

Red paint was splashed on the Firhill Stadium entrance, along with the message ‘Palestinian blood’.

A local councillor has branded the graffiti ‘Anti-Semitic abuse’.

Steve Clarke's Scotland side face Israel this evening (October 8) at Hampden Park in a one-off semi-final behind closed doors as they bid for a place at next year's rescheduled European Championship.

Israel trained at the Jags' stadium in Glasgow's West End last night as they prepared for the match.

Last month, pro-Palestinian campaigners protested outside Hampden Park when Scotland welcomed Israel last month for a friendly.

A spokesperson for Partick Thistle said: “We are extremely disappointed that our stadium has been vandalised in this way. The matter is now in the hands of police.

“For many years, we have made Firhill available for hire when requested by the Scottish FA – this not only helps visiting international teams, but it provides valuable income to Thistle.

Anti-Israel graffiti was scrawled on Firhill Stadium’s walls. Photo: Twitter

“Until now this facility has been utilised by those without any issue, which only makes this unwarranted vandalism even more disappointing.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of vandalism at Firhill Stadium, Glasgow, around 12.10am on Thursday, 8 October, 2020.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Euan Blockley, councillor for Glasgow's Linn Ward, posted a photo of the graffiti on Twitter and commented: “This sort of Anti-Semitic abuse directed at the Israeli football team has no place in our city."

“I hope @policescotland will be taking urgent action to find the perpetrators.”

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