Rangers hero Ally McCoist has revealed he won't be at Ibrox for Sunday's crucial clash against Celtic as he played down criticism over his remarks on the new hate crime laws in Scotland.

The Ibrox legend had come under intense scrutiny and criticism after branding the new laws "madness" and "crazy" and suggesting 48,000 fans, including himself, could fall foul of the law at the derby fixture.

However, McCoist has now broken his silence on the fallout over his comments and played down the response as he revealed he wouldn't even be in attendance at Ibrox on Sunday.

Alan Brazil on talkSPORT referenced criticism and coverage of McCoist's claims as he said: "I see you have made some of the front pages..."

But McCoist wasted little time on the subject, as he said: "I'm over it. I seem to have upset a few people."

Then, quizzed on whether he would be at the vital title race encounter, McCoist revealed: "No I'm not actually. I will be away with the kids for a couple of days.

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"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."

McCoist had said on Tuesday morning: "We've got a hate bill by the way, a hate bill has been passed in the country.

"And I guarantee you, next Sunday at Ibrox, along with 48,000 will be committing a breach of that hate bill in the particular Rangers versus Celtic game we are all going to. It is madness."

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act - passed by MSPs in 2021 - consolidated existing hate crime legislation and creates a new offence of stirring up hatred against protected characteristics.

The new law creates "stirring up of hatred offences” and gives greater protection to certain groups.

These include age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.