WOMEN have been subjected to sexual abuse and threats due their support for a football team, MSPs have been told.

The Scottish Women’s Convention told MSPs that while football has become more inclusive towards women there are examples of abuse which is “reprehensible”.

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In written evidence the SWC said: “Women have reported being groped, physically assaulted or even threatened with rape all because they support a particular team.

“This is unacceptable violence against women, Police, football clubs and football fans should not condone such behaviour and support women who are victims.”

Debbie Figures, Development Assistant, Scottish Women’s Convention, gave evidence on plans to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, at the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee.

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She said: “Women at our events, in their hundreds, have told us they have felt increasingly terrified and scared on public transport and places showing football like pubs when matches are on.”

Ms Figures also said they also had reports of female school pupils being targeted for abuse.

She said that certain uniforms or tie identifies what school they go to and she said they have been subjected to abuse on that basis.

Ms Figures added: “Women are often the victims of sectarianism and, as a result, often avoid public spaces on math day due to fear .

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This particular type of behaviour is often linked to violence against women and can deepen inequality between the sexes.

“ Fears about personal safety when travelling to and from an event have been brought up by numerous women, especially after attending a football match and being scared to walk through the city centre wearing a scarf or strip in case of an attack.”

The Scottish Women’s Convention said it was in favour of keeping the Act but wanted stronger guidelines and amendments to the legislation.

The convention said that existing criminal law used prior to the OBF Act in 2012 was not sufficient for dealing with specific circumstances.

It stated its belief that arguments for the use of Breach of the Peace do not send a strong enough message of condemnation in regards to offensive behaviour that can occur at football events.

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It said: “The display of offensive flags, singing of sectarian songs and abusive conduct can cause significant distress, particularly to women and young children.”

The Committee meeting also heard from representatives from the Catholic Church, Church of Scotland, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.