John Hartson has urged Celtic and Rangers fans to cut out the sectarian singing at games - or risk further punishment.

Gers were hammered by UEFA recently for sectarian chants and forced to close a section of Ibrox for their crunch Europa League clash with Legia Warsaw.

Celtic have also been hit by fines by governing bodies in the past including for unveiling political banners highlighting IRA messages.

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Hoops hero Hartson, though, hopes the "unsavoury" anthems that have unfortunately become somewhat synonymous with Glasgow's big two will be a thing of the past in days to come - because it's hurting the clubs.

Speaking on The Last Word with Stan Collymore, the former striker said: "It would be ideal if there was no sectarianism or religious chants during games, because it's got both clubs into trouble.

"Rangers last week, Celtic have been warned several times and fined as a club for singing unnecessary, unsavoury songs.

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"In an ideal world that would go away. I'm not so sure if it would ever clear up."

Hartson also blasted supporters who look to create trouble for footballers in that world.

The Welshman explained how ex-teammate and good mate Iain Dowie - a big Rangers fan - gave him a serious word of warning as he prepared for a trip to Northern Ireland.

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Hartson added: "Iain Dowie, who is a big Orange man, big Northern Ireland and Rangers fan, one of my good mates, he said 'when you go to Northern Ireland, be careful'.

"'You could be standing taking a picture, it might look very innocent to you, but somebody might come in the background and hold a little flag up'.

"All of a sudden the picture of that flag is out there on social media.

"I don't want that.

"There's always that one person from 100 who wants to cause that controversy for you."