The MSP believes that the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 is not tackling Scotland’s problem with sectarianism.

Recently the SNP government backed away from plans to conduct a review of the legislation.

Ms Baillie told the Advertiser: “The Football Act has been a huge source of controversy, criticised not just by football fans but by legal experts too. It has created a culture of mistrust between football fans and the authorities which does nothing to help Scotland have an honest debate about how we tackle, and beat, sectarianism.

“The reality is that bigotry and intolerance are not confined to 90 minutes on a Saturday at football matches. If we want to be the generation that makes sectarianism a thing of the past we must address the issue head on, in our classrooms and communities in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh.

“That is why I am calling on the Scottish Government to deliver what they promised – a thorough review of the Football Act.” A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We fulfilled our statutory obligation to report to the Scottish Parliament on the first two years of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act on 12 June. “The report was supported by evidence including an extensive, independent evaluation of the offence of offensive behaviour at football carried out by University of Stirling and ScotCen Social Research.

“This act is helping to rid Scotland of the bile and bigotry that has marred the match day experience at some games for too long. Football supporters and the public are tired of our national sport being used as an outlet for the prejudices of the past and it is time to bring football into line with the social standards of the 21st century.”