SHOW Racism the Red Card campaign manager Jordan Allison has called on Holyrood to take action to educate the population on the damage that anti-Catholic and anti-Irish language can cause.

Allison welcomed the widespread condemnation the alleged singing of The Famine Song received from both Celtic and Rangers fans following a march through Glasgow city centre before the Old Firm game at Ibrox back in August.

“For Show Racism The Red Card and other anti-racism education charities, there are four ways racism can manifest itself,” he said. “That is if you are racially prejudiced because of your skin colour, your religion, your nationality or your culture.

“Some of the language in videos we have had sent to us – which include phrases like ‘go home’ – are appalling. It is no different to any other form of racism or xenophobia. Whoever utters those words is using racist language.

“Referring to the historical movement of people from Ireland is xenophobic. Xenophobia is hatred or prejudice towards people from perceived different countries, communities and religions.

“The language is racist towards people from different countries and different religions. You are telling an entire community that calls Scotland its home to ‘go home’. What we are hearing is horrific language. We feel Scottish football has so many more positive stories to share. There is no place for that language.

“It is targeted towards a marginalised community and it is racist. Historically, ‘go home’ is used against migrant communities. It is the sort of language the far right use. It is not welcome in Scottish football.”

Allison added: “We need everyone to come together to condemn it. The alleged ‘go home’ chants in Glasgow were almost universally condemned by both Celtic and Rangers supporters as well as politicians which was encouraging to see. The more we see unity in the face of that kind of language the less it will be tolerated.

“The Catholic community in Scotland tell us that sort of anti-Catholic, anti-Irish language is normalised in the workplace, in society and in some football chants. Far more needs to be done to educate people on the hurt that can cause.

“Racism is far bigger than football. What football can do is provide positivity and unite people. It needs addressed by the government.”