Bairner & Whigham (2025) Sectarianism as racism in football? The cut and thrust of an ongoing debate in Merkel (2025) Racism, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and Islamophobia in European Football: Symptoms, Sources, and Solutions

Scottish football characterized by rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, with historical incidents of violence and verbal abuse.
"Sectarianism" denotes ethnic, political, and religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Scotland.
Recent debates suggest using the term "racism" to describe anti-Irish sentiments towards Celtic and its supporters.
Legislative attempts to combat sectarianism include the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.
Experiences of sectarianism seen as declining; however, deep-rooted divisions persist in Scottish football and society.
Bairner's studies link the support for Rangers (Protestant) and Celtic (Catholic) to historic sectarianism, influencing cultural and political loyalties.

Sectarian dynamics shaped actions and identities of football fans over time.
Rangers FC linked to Protestantism, unionism, and celebratory cultural practices; Celtic FC associated with Irish Catholic integration and left-leaning sentiments.
Football serves as a vehicle for broader socio-political narratives, blurring lines between sport and identity.

Despite legislative measures, large scale incidents reflect ongoing sectarian tensions during high-profile matches.
2016 repeal of the Offensive Behaviour Act amid criticism regarding its impact on freedom of expression among football fans.

Open debates during the Scottish independence referendum (2014) reflected historical allegiances (Celtic favoring independence; Rangers leaning towards unionism).
Polling data indicated a shift in traditional voting patterns among supporters of both clubs, challenging established stereotypes.

Scholars debate the intersection between sectarianism and racism, positing Irish Catholics as historically marginalized and sometimes racialized.
Calls to reconsider terminology used in sectarian discourse, suggesting it may reflect broader issues of racism within Scottish society.
Two-way dynamic: Celtic supporters seen as victims of bigotry while simultaneously capable of expressing discriminatory views.

Sectarianism remains a contested issue linked to historical and modern identities within Scottish football.
Despite progress, symptoms of discrimination and hostility still manifest, necessitating ongoing dialogue about cultural narratives and identity in football and society.