The ACPOS Lead on Football-related issues has said he is confident that new legislation to target sectarianism at matches will have the desired result.

In an interview with PoliceOracle.com, ACC Campbell Corrigan stressed that religious hatred had no place in or around the game – and that would-be offenders now realised that they could have some tough penalties directed against them.

While he pointed out that there had been "a benign acceptance" of sectarianism in the past, the creation of specific crimes would focus the mind.

As previously reported on PoliceOracle.com, the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act addresses two areas.

The first part of the new law focuses on sectarian and offensive chanting and behaviour at football matches and covers players and managers as well as supporters.

A separate offence has also been created to address threatening communications. The move follows a series of football incidents over the course of the year, the worst of which included a bomb sent to Celtic Manager Neil Lennon.

Anyone convicted under the new law can expect a maximum of a 12 month-custodial sentence for Summary and a five-year tariff for Solemn matters.

ACC Corrigan, who serves with Strathclyde Police, said: "From a policing point of view, the creation of this legislation has to be a good thing.

"Unfortunately, the sectarian issue has been something that has been prevalent during my lifetime. I am pleased at the action of the Scottish Government."

ACC Corrigan emphasised that Old Firm Fixtures – the Rangers v Celtic matches – had a disproportionate impact on communities that transcended football policing.

He pointed out that incidences of domestic violence and other crime rocketed.

"Now that we have created these offence there is a clear focus for people and offenders are going to feel the full force of the law if they do not listen," he added.

The arrival of the new legislation has also been welcomed by Les Gray, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, who said it was a "step in the right direction".

Mr Gray added that the problem was deep rooted and needed decisive action.

The Chairman added: "We have a cancer here – people need to learn once and for all that sectarianism is not acceptable and the new law will send a clear message."