Old Firm fans have been told they can continue to wave their union flags and Irish tricolours at football matches.

Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell said he saw nothing sectarian in the fans carrying the rival colours.

Mr McConnell gave interviews to the Celtic View and the Rangers Voice magazines ahead of this weekend's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

The Scottish Executive will unveil on Thursday a package of measures aimed at tackling sectarianism and bigotry.

The first minister is a football fan

Mr McConnell told the Celtic magazine: "I take the view that both Celtic and Rangers have got strong and proud traditions.

"That is partly what makes them such fantastic international institutions.

"I would not want to suggest in any way that the symbols of those traditions should not be appearing in the grounds and used by supporters."

Mr McConnell has previously called for a clamp-down on traders who sell offensive, sectarian material outside the grounds. He also wants a ban on paramilitary regalia.

'Major advances'

In October, he praised police who seized Union flags bearing the red hand of Ulster emblem from fans at a Hearts-Celtic match in Edinburgh.

But the first minister told the Celtic View: "I don't think you can ever stop Rangers fans, nor would you want to, using the Union Jack and the symbols of Britishness that they have used.

"I believe similarly that at Celtic, the fantastic Irish tradition of the club should be recognised by all."

Campaigners have warned of sectarian danger

Mr McConnell admitted that it would not be easy to enforce anti-sectarian legislation, but he thought major advances could be made when the clubs travel to away grounds.

He said faster communication between local courts and the clubs to identify troublemakers would help.

The moderator of the Church of Scotland's general assembly has backed the campaign against religious hatred.

Speaking at a lunch at the Scotland Office in London, Reverend Dr Finlay Macdonald said: "I welcome, most warmly, the clear lead given by the first minister."

The moderator said he had encouraged Mr McConnell "in his determination to rid Scotland once and for all of the scourge of sectarianism".

The anti-bigotry campaign group Nil by Mouth also welcomed Mr McConnell's remarks.