First Minister Jack McConnell has praised police who seized flags from football fans in a crackdown on bigotry.

He gave his backing to officers who moved in to the crowd to snatch Union flags bearing the red hand of Ulster emblem from fans at the Hearts-Celtic match in Edinburgh on Sunday.

One or more Irish tricolour flags were also taken from fans.

The action followed Mr McConnell signalling action against sectarianism in Scotland.

Use of symbolism

The fixture was marred by the chanting of IRA-associated songs and the waving of Northern Irish Loyalist-related flags.

There was also fighting in streets near Heart's Tynecastle Stadium after Celtic's 4-1 victory.

Some supporters of Hearts, who traditionally have a predominantly Protestant following, waved Union flags in opposition to Celtic's Irish Catholic links.

Mr McConnell said: "I am glad to see the police took action against the provocative use of symbolism at a football match.

Religious bigotry

"There needs to be tougher action in the grounds and around the grounds to stamp out sectarianism.

"This should be done by using existing powers, but if more are needed we will look at that."

Last week Mr McConnell met Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod and Rangers chairman John McLelland to discuss ways of tackling religious bigotry.

He said after that meeting that the executive could take a lead by making sure items like paramilitary "memorabilia" came within the scope of licensing conditions for street traders.