Church leaders say efforts must focus on the causes of sectarianism

Roman Catholic Cardinal Keith O'Brien said attention should be given to those whose behaviour is the result of having nothing to do.

He said: "I think that we should now begin to look at the wider social causes of sectarian animosity."

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said the problem of intolerance is in society.

The Right Reverend Alan McDonald said: "I believe that the problem is not in the churches, the problem is not in the football clubs, the problem is in society.

Unless we sort out these social problems there still will be the social causes of sectarian animosity Cardinal Keith O'Brien Anti-bigotry football body set up

"The culture of intolerance that we all want to get rid of is out there."

The moderator said he had planned to attend an Old Firm match at Ibrox with the Cardinal as a show of unity to rival fans.

Though Rangers were relaxed about the plan, he said security staff said it would not be a good idea.

"They replied that a quiet afternoon could not be guaranteed under such circumstances," he said.

Cardinal O'Brien, leader of Scotland's Roman Catholics, listed the causes of sectarianism as poverty, unemployment and poor housing.

"Unless we sort out these social problems there still will be the social causes of sectarian animosity," he said.

His comments were made after First Minister Jack McConnell unveiled a strategy at the summit to tackle sectarianism in football.

A national body called Football For All is to be set up to tackle the issue.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Executive said it was considering extending banning orders to marches and parades.