A GLASGOW-BASED writer has won support from fellow Scotland fans after her poem about grassroots football led to a wave of social media abuse.

Erin Boyle – a volunteer with The Kano Foundation, which aims to keep football free for children – wrote a poem inspired by her dad’s experience of growing up playing the game on the streets.

While promoting Scotland’s place in the international tournament, Boyle wanted to show how “commercialism is sucking the soul out of the beautiful game”.

Against a backing track of moving music, Boyle recited Fae the Scheme tae the First Team for the BBC Social account.

Within hours, the poet’s piece had provoked enough abuse that the Twitter account was forced to release a statement. Angry commenters criticised Boyle’s accent and decision to use Scots words in her poem.

“This video has received a large amount of hateful and abusive comments so we wanted to respond,” The Social wrote.

“Here at The Social, we work with and develop new creators in Scotland to produce content on subjects they are passionate about. While some people may not like or disagree with the content, abusive comments will not be tolerated and we’re continuing to monitor and report.”

Later, the poet decided to speak out. “This wee poem was inspired by my auld Da’s childhood stories. Nowadays, street fitbaw is rare. Strips are expensive. Young people are being deprived of experiencing the grass roots of fitbaw. Commercialism is sucking the soul out of the beautiful game.

“I wanted to shine a wee light on this before we get caught up with the glamour of the Euros. Whether ye like it or ye didnae like it is up tae you. Either way, I’m buzzing at the traction. Keep sharing away troops & keep fighting the good fight. And kemonn Scotland.”

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Boyle’s experience follows on from a number of Scots speakers, particularly female ones, calling out online abuse linked to their use of the language.

Singers like Iona Fyfe and fellow artist Len Pennie have spoken out about the harassment they receive online.

"There’s a lot of it’s ‘Jock speak’ or the Scottish Cringe, people cringing at their own identity. That’s a definite thing,” Fyfe (below) said earlier this year.

The National:

Despite the anger directed towards Boyle, her poetry has been welcomed by large numbers of Scots who defended her work.

“Looking through some of the replies to this video – a stark reminder of why @HerGameToo is absolutely still necessary,” said one response, referring to the campaign to raise awareness of sexism in football.

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“Love this,” wrote Scotland’s sport minister Maree Todd. “Our passion for the game is strong – dream big!”

Deputy first minister John Swinney praised Boyle’s “fabulous” piece.

“Zero surprise that old angry men are having a pop at a young creative woman speaking in her own accent,” replied Nicky Lawson.

Writer and language activist Billy Kay also stepped up to defend Boyle. “Whit is it aboot young lassies talkin Scots that gars men aulder than them tae hate the lassie, hate themsels an hate Scotland? A wheen o total twatts garrin us aw grue. Weel duin, Erin. Keep yer vyce an be yersel.”