Scotland fans make 830-mile trip to closed‑doors World Cup qualifier in Hungary

A small group of Scotland supporters travelled more than 820 miles to the Hungarian town of Zalaegerszeg for Monday’s World Cup qualifying match against Belarus even though the game was being played behind closed doors.

The party, who had been in Copenhagen for Scotland’s 0-0 draw with Denmark on Friday, flew to Budapest and then took a train to Zalaegerszeg, close to the Austrian and Slovenian borders. They accessed the ZTE Arena and posed for photographs in the sun in the hours before kick-off.

Those present included Steven McNab, Cammy McNab, John Grigor, Jane Grigor, Jim Todd and James Todd. One member of the group said: "There were cheap flights to Budapest. Scotland trips are fantastic, but usually the worst bit is the 90 minutes. So, when we heard this game was on and we couldn't get in - we just had to come!" Another added: "We've been told in no uncertain terms that we're not getting in tonight." Jane Grigor said officials were trying to arrange a venue for Scotland fans to watch the match on television.

The match in Zalaegerszeg was ordered to be played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors after UEFA imposed measures on Belarusian football because of the Belarusian government's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. UEFA's ruling affects Belarusian clubs and national teams participating in its competitions, requiring home matches to be staged outside Belarus and without spectators.

The trip highlighted frustration among some supporters who questioned Belarus’s continued participation in the competition. One member of the travelling group said: "We have a great time wherever we go. I fully believe we should be in there. It's ridiculous. I don't understand why Belarus are even allowed in the competition."

Monday’s fixture kicked off at 19:45 GMT at the ZTE Arena. Broadcasters and radio services were carrying live coverage, while news outlets offered live updates and clips. The decision to play at a neutral, closed venue formed part of a wider set of sporting sanctions imposed on Belarusian teams by UEFA amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Officials at UEFA and national federations have continued to balance sporting integrity with political and security concerns since the invasion of Ukraine, and the restrictions on Belarusian home fixtures remain in place pending further review. The group of supporters left open the possibility of joining an organised watch venue arranged for Scotland fans if one was available, while insisting their journey had been worth the effort regardless of access to the stadium.