Ally McCoist grilled by Celtic diehard Alan Brazil over hate crime law storm

Smirking Ally McCoist has played down controversy over his comments on the new hate crime act which has come into effect in Scotland after facing questions from Alan Brazil.

The bill – passed by MSPs back in 2021 – was rubber-stamped on Monday and aims to combat abuse which "stirs up hatred" surrounding age, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and disability. However, McCoist has stated be was stunned by the introduction for the law in Scotland and revealed fears that he and his fellow Rangers supporters will be in the cross hairs of it when they face Celtic this weekend.

The comments on talkSPORT have caused controversy with SNP MP Steven Bonnar among those to criticise McCoist for his comments. And Brazil was quick for bring the saga up on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show. The Celtic diehard put his co-host under the spotlight again over his comments, stated: "I see you have made some of the front pages..."

McCoist quickly laughed as he attempted to move on: "I'm over it. I seem to have upset a few people." The duo then moved on to discussing the action on the park later in the show - when McCoist revealed he wouldn't even be at the game having joked he would be at risk of breaking the new act.

"I don't think there is a lot between the sides. I don't think either of them are great sides, a cigarette paper between them."

Brazil pressed: "Will you be there?" McCoist said: "No I'm not actually. I will be away with the kids for a couple of days. See people are accusing me of going to break this act but I'm not even going to be at this game - which I thought I would be, but we are away for a couple of days."