Sectarianism in Scottish Football
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9 % of Scots agree that sectarianism is offensive . 89 % of Scots agree that sectarianism is unacceptable in Scottish football . 85 % of Scots agree that sectarianism should be a criminal offence . 91 % agree that stronger action needs to be taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football in Scotland . Sectarianism in Glasgow takes the form of religious and political sectarian rivalry between Roman Catholics and Protestants . It is reinforced by the fierce rivalry between Celtic F . C . and Rangers
On 12th January 2011 bullets addressed to Celtic star Paddy McCourt , had been found by mail workers in Glasgow , a week earlier similar packages marked for , then Celtic ( now Aberdeen ) footballer Niall McGinn , and Celtic manager Neil Lennon were found by Ulster post staff . Neil Lennon has been targeted in the past . He withdrew from Northern Ireland ' s game against Cyprus in 2002 after a death threat from a group . Gerry Carlile , the players ' representative , said : " I have spoken to Paddy and Niall and , while both are shocked and disappointed , they are determined this won ' t derail their efforts on the park . However , I hope the police are investigating thoroughly and that those responsible are caught ."
The targets were encouraged by the support and sympathy they have received from both sides of the divide .