CELTIC have said they are disappointed the Scottish Parliament voted against a move to scrap controversial laws designed to stamp out religious and sectarian abuse at football matches.

The Offensive Behaviour at Football Act had been opposed by football fans universally after it came into force two years ago, giving the police and prosecutors extra powers to crack down on sectarian songs and abuse at football matches.

But the SNP majority administration at Holyrood saw off a call to repeal the Act. A Labour motion calling for the "flawed" legislation to be dumped was defeated by 68 votes to 50 after a Scottish Parliament. Scottish Labour leadership front­runner Jim Murphy has pledged to scrap the Act if he becomes First Minister.

A Celtic spokesman said: "This Act is inappropriate and unworkable, and once again we call for it to be reviewed urgently in the interests of football supporters and clubs."