THE Scottish Tories have sparked a backlash from the Tartan Army after claiming thousands of fans were “locked out” of Hampden as Scotland v Israel kicked off.

Douglas Ross’s party blamed the SNP government’s “botched” vaccine passport scheme for causing scores of supporters to miss the start of the crucial World Cup qualifier.

“Thousands of Scotland fans were locked out of Hampden at the weekend, until well after kick-off, due to vaccine passport spot checks being in place,” the Tories tweeted.

“If this botched SNP scheme isn't scrapped, how chaotic will it be when it fully comes into force next week?”

Scotland’s vaccine passport scheme, which requires people to provide proof of full vaccination at large events and nightclubs, went live on October 1. However, the scheme is not being enforced until October 18 in order to give venues time to adjust to the new rules.

READ MORE: Tories told to take down 'pack of lies' about 'lock out' at Scotland game

But Health Secretary Humza Yousaf took to Twitter to debunk the Scottish Tory claims.

He commented: "These claims are not true. The SFA has confirmed any delayed entry into Hampden at the weekend had nothing to do with the certification scheme."

Those who attended Scotland’s match on Saturday were also quick to rubbish the Conservative reports.

Journalist Jonathan Mitchell said they were “not true at all”.

“It was to do with lots of supporters having no clue how to scan in via the QR code,” he tweeted.

“Not one person in the queue in front of me at section C of the North Stand had their vaccine passport checked.”

MSP Paul McLennan commented: “That’s utter nonsense – I was at the game – desperate stuff.” MP Peter Grant branded the Tory tweet a "pack of lies".

Some fans pointed out that issues with entry have been longstanding at Scotland games.

Others noted that the stands appeared to be packed at kick-off, suggesting there were not major problems on Saturday by the time the game began at 5pm.

Kenny Rutherford wrote: “Absolute nonsense. Hardly any seats empty for the anthems and – based on 30 years of going to Scotland games – Saturday was no better or worse than usual. Some folk leave pub too late and crowd flow around the stadium is poor – nothing new there.”

The Scottish Government insisted the delays were not linked to the Covid passport scheme.

A spokesperson said: "These claims are not true. The SFA has confirmed any delayed entry into Hampden at the weekend had nothing to do with the certification scheme.

“Covid certification is a proportionate way of encouraging people to get vaccinated, and also of helping large events and night-time hospitality to keep operating during what will potentially be a very difficult winter.

“We have allowed a grace period for the first two weeks of the scheme in relation to enforcement, while businesses and users become accustomed to the new rules.

"During this period we expect businesses to implement and test their approach to certification – and to prepare their compliance plans – so that they are fully prepared by 18 October, and so we welcome the SFA spot-checking vaccine certificates as part of testing the scheme."

The SFA commented: “Stadium gates were opened two hours before kick-off, and we increased stewarding provision and volunteers to mitigate spot-checking procedures for the highest attendance in recent years - 50,585.”