Old Firm fans abandon their traditional political allegiances

Wilson supported the No campaign for the independence referendum in 2014.

Study author Dr Stuart Whigman, a senior lecturer in sport, coaching and physical education at Brookes University, said: “The Old Firm fans told us the stereotypes no longer existed to the same extent as before and they were no longer as influenced by their club’s perceived position on independence.

“While there were fans who based their position on tribal associations of their clubs, many were taking a more pragmatic approach. That’s different to what you would have seen 25 to 30 years ago.

“We found lots of examples of No-supporting Celtic fans and Yes- supporting Rangers fans. The fans going against stereotypes were mainly 45 or under.”

Historian and professor Tom Devine said: “The conclusion that now the political affiliations of Old Firm supporters are only influenced to a minor extent by club loyalties is interesting but not surprising. Scotland has changed.

“Sectarianism is not quite dead but, according to the Scottish Government’s advisory group on the problem, it’s now ‘only of marginal significance’.

“Religious identities have waned as secularisation has spread.

“The proliferation of mixed marriages and partnerships plus friendships across the old divides have broken down many of the barriers based on religion and ethnicity. All this has encouraged more fluidity in political identities.”