Law change will create two new offences

The laws will create two new offences, which could see those convicted jailed for up to five years and banned from all football grounds.

The first offence targets sectarian and threatening behaviour at and around football matches which is deemed likely to cause public disorder.

Sectarian chanting will be targeted, but the government has controversially ruled out producing a list of banned songs that have become a regular feature of some football matches. It targets expressions of hatred of a person or group of persons because of their religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

The second offence covers any kind of communication containing threats of violence or threats that are intended to stir up religious hatred on the internet or other communications.