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PFA Scotland says footballers must be free from violence and discrimination

02/03/19 WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP QUARTER - FINALS.HIBERNIAN v CELTIC.EASTER ROAD - EDINBURGH.A bottle is thrown onto the pitch from the stands
Image: PFA Scotland says the football pitch must be a safe environment

Action must be taken to prevent violence at football grounds and ensure player safety, according to PFA Scotland.

A bottle thrown from the stands narrowly missed Scott Sinclair as the Celtic winger prepared to take a corner during their Scottish Cup win over Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday.

It is the latest in a rising number of incidents the union has called "alarming".

02/03/19 WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP QUARTER - FINALS.HIBERNIAN v CELTIC.EASTER ROAD - EDINBURGH.Referee Wiillie Collum removes a bottle from the pitch, which was thrown from the stands
Image: Referee Willie Collum removes a bottle from the pitch that was thrown by supporters towards Scott Sinclair

Fraser Wishart, chief executive of PFA Scotland, said: "After this weekend's incidents at Easter Road, we stress again that the throwing of objects at players, violence or any form of verbal abuse directed towards players must be taken seriously and we trust that the authorities will take the appropriate action to ensure that this dangerous practice is stopped.

"The continuing rise in incidents of this nature at football grounds across the country is alarming and must be addressed with the greatest of urgency.

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Director of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, Paul Goodwin, says strict liability should be considered following a number of concerning incidents in Scottish football

"On the field, our members have been subjected to racist and sectarian abuse, physically assaulted and had coins and now a bottle thrown at them.

"Any form of abuse - physical or verbal - is wholly unacceptable and it is of paramount importance that something is done before someone is seriously hurt or maimed.

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Image: Former Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon was struck by a coin during November's goalless draw with Hearts in the Edinburgh derby

"The football pitch is a player's place of work and it is not unreasonable for a player, like any other employee, to be able to work with the knowledge that their workplace is indeed a safe environment, free from violence and discrimination and that their health and safety is not at risk."

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