A groundbreaking report into sectarianism must be removed from "the long grass" and debated in the Scottish Parliament, campaigners have urged.

Almost a year after the study was published, questions are being asked as to whether any of the study's recommendations have been acted upon and how effective its £9 million funding has been.

Dr Duncan Morrow, the ­Northern Ireland academic who heads the Scottish Government's expert group on the issue, called for further engagement on sectarianism, but to avoid it becoming "a party political football with detrimental consequences".

Anti-sectarianism group Nil by Mouth also expressed concern the issue risked slipping further into the distance, with parliamentary discussions focusing on new powers on the back of nearly two years of referendum campaigning.

The call comes after trouble, blamed largely on Loyalists, in the centre of Glasgow following the referendum vote.

Despite the implementation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and the public funding on a series of high-profile initiatives, no debate on the wider issue of sectarianism in Scotland has been held at Holyrood since 2006.

All 128 MSPs have been contacted in the past 48 hours calling on them to debate the biggest piece of research conducted into sectarianism in Scotland.

Dr Morrow's report, published in December, contained a number of recommendations for action in areas such as politics, sport, civic society, law enforcement and education. As well as providing an opportunity for Parliament to discuss its findings, a debate would enable evaluation of the study.

One key finding of Dr Morrow's report was that "many senior and influential people across Scottish society" had failed to show the leadership required to tackle the problem of sectarianism.

Nil by Mouth campaign director Dave Scott said in the two years of the referendum debate "many serious issues have been punted into the long grass". He added: "The Morrow Report makes a wide range of recommendations for action right across Scottish society. Are these bring implemented? What's going to happen when the funding ends next year? How effective have new laws proved? Are groups living up to their responsibilities?

"Given there has been nearly £9m invested in various initiatives aimed at tackling sectarianism it's vital our parliament debates this issue fully and in detail."

Last night, Dr Morrow, who was recently sent bullets in the post, said: "It is vital the report and its implications are considered by everyone in Scottish society as a basis for moving forward from sectarianism."

He added that the expert group had been pleased "with the maturity of the debate so far and with the engagement from all parties in the Scottish Parliament".

He said: "We are continuing to meet with stakeholders to emphasise our view that change will require active leadership and effort at many levels. In November, we will be hosting a meeting for all of the groups funded by the Scottish Government to ensure our future recommendations are based on real experience and learning."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are fully supportive of the work of the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland. We welcomed their first report in December 2013 and look forward to their final report next year.

"The group continues to engage with a range of communities, individuals and organisations, including the Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee. The group's advice continues to help shape the focus of our work to tackle sectarianism."