Almost half of people taken to court this year under controversial laws designed to stamp out religious sectarian abuse at football matches were acquitted, new figures show.
In 2013-14 there were 161 people proceeded against under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.
The majority (154) were taken to court for offensive behaviour at football, with a not guilty outcome in 74 cases (48%).
The previous year there were 91 people proceeded against under the same part of the Act, with 25 people acquitted (27%).
The laws criminalise threatening behaviour including offensive singing or chanting at football matches as well as threats posted online or made by post.
Last month the SNP majority administration at Holyrood saw off a call to repeal the Act, insisting the legislation is working.
A Labour motion calling for the ''flawed'' legislation to be dumped was defeated by 68 votes to 50 after a debate at the Scottish Parliament.
During his successful campaign for the Scottish Labour leadership, Jim Murphy pledged to scrap the laws, which have been criticised by some football clubs, if the party wins the next Holyrood election in 2016.
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