Angry Ally McCoist has launched a scathing critique of Scotland’s new hate crime act, expressing concerns that he and his fellow Rangers supporters could inadvertently violate the law during the upcoming clash against Celtic on Sunday.

The legislation, passed by MSPs in 2021 and officially ratified on Monday, seeks to address abusive behavior that fuels hatred based on factors such as age, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, and disability. However, McCoist, visibly irate and echoing the sentiments of prominent critic JK Rowling, has vehemently opposed the enactment of this law in Scotland. He fears that the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic could easily lead to inadvertent breaches by fans at the upcoming match at Ibrox under Philippe Clement’s management.

Expressing his dismay on talkSPORT, McCoist expressed, “We’re now faced with this hate bill in our country. I can guarantee you that when we gather at Ibrox next Sunday, myself included among the 48,000 fans, we will unwittingly transgress this hate bill during the Rangers vs. Celtic game we’re all looking forward to. It’s utter madness.”

McCoist also raised concerns about law enforcement officers’ receptivity to the newly implemented legislation, suggesting that there are apprehensions within the force that the measure could undermine public confidence in policing.

The revered Rangers figure remarked, “Even the police share this view (of enforcement challenges). While the police spokesperson cannot explicitly convey this sentiment, the implication is there. Almost everyone, possessing even a modicum of sense, acknowledges the sheer absurdity of this situation. It’s nonsensical. I have yet to encounter a single individual in our nation who finds this legislation to be a commendable move.”