This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FM at Old Firm match
11/03/2007
First Minister Jack McConnell today welcomed the attendance of the leaders of the main Scottish churches at the Old Firm match between Rangers and Celtic.
Afterwards the FM said:
"Tackling sectarianism is about much more than football and it is important that we tackle the wider issues. However, joint visits such as this send a clear signal that Scotland is uniting in its efforts to rid the country of bigotry and religious hatred.
"The Old Firm clubs can be proud of the lead they have shown in recent times. They have an important role to play in denormalising sectarianism, and the progress that we are seeing now in defeating this ugly behaviour could not have been achieved without their cooperation.
"We have come a long way with our work in schools, football banning orders and new ways of dealing with marches and parades. There is still some way to go, but I look forward to continuing our progress towards creating a better society for future generations."