The rivalry is evident on Old Firm match days

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said it was the fans themselves who could drive bigotry from football grounds.

He said the Scottish Executive had launched a number of initiatives to tackle sectarianism and new laws had been used to target bigoted behaviour.

But Mr Henry said fans also held the responsibility to "report it rather than ignore it".

"I want this season to be the one where ordinary fans show the red card to the mindless, sectarian minority who tarnish the reputations of the clubs they claim to support," he said.

"Last season saw the start of real change in the drive to rid our country of the stain of bigotry. But we have further to go.

"We all need to take responsibility for our words and actions. It doesn't matter where you go on a Saturday or which team you support.

I want this season to be the one where ordinary fans show the red card to the mindless, sectarian minority Hugh Henry Deputy Justice Minister

"Traditional football songs should not be twisted into sectarian anthems. If you know your history, then you also know sectarianism is wrong.

"If you don't mean it, don't say it. If you hear it, report it rather than ignore it."

The executive, police, football clubs, and faith groups have been working together to tackle sectarianism, which has been a long-standing problem in the west of Scotland.

Rangers and Celtic football clubs have launched the Old Firm Alliance, taking football coaching and anti-sectarianism into schools throughout Glasgow.

Around 50,000 young people have received anti-sectarianism wristbands in an initiative with Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Hospice Association.