Culture Minister Edwin Poots is to consider new legislation to tackle football hooliganism.

During an Assembly debate on tackling sectarianism and racism in sport, Mr Poots confirmed that he would be working with Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins to create a new range of public order offences at sporting events.

These would include legislation to penalise unauthorised pitch invasions, missile throwing, offensive chanting, bringing bottles and flares into stadiums and ticket touting.

The debate was over a proposal by the Alliance party to introduce laws similar to the football offences act in England.

Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy said: "It's time that police were given the laws they need to crack down on sectarian and other prejudicial chanting at matches.

"If we are given these laws, the vast majority of our local sports fans, who abhor this type of behaviour will be able to enjoy matches free from intimidation."

Mr McCarthy said that the Alliance party wanted to ensure that the legislation covered all forms of prejudice at all sporting events. He said: "Sport has the potential to bring the public together, but to get the feelgood factor we must ensure that our stadia are shared spaces where everyone feels welcome."

(KMcA)