Scotland's opposition parties have issued a joint statement endorsing a move to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.

Scottish Labour MSP James Kelly is lodging his proposal for a private members' bill to replace the current law.

He needs 18 MSPs from at least three parties to endorse the bill to move it to the next stage.

The legislation was passed in 2011 when the SNP had a majority of MSPs. At the time all opposition MSPs voted against the law when it was proposed.

Following May's election the SNP has been reduced to a minority administration.

The law bans behaviour which may incite public disorder, discriminates against racial groups as well as "other behaviour that a reasonable person would be likely to consider offensive".

The statement reads: "As opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament we endorse the final proposal in James Kelly MSP's Football Act (Repeal) Bill to repeal in total the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act.

"The act was rushed through the Scottish Parliament in 2011 against the will of all the opposition parties.

"It is an illiberal law that targets football fans and has proven to be unworkable in practice. It has caused division between football fans and police and confusion in the justice system.

The statement adds: "Following the vote in parliament last month, it is clear that a majority of MSPs in parliament support the repeal of the Football Act.

"It is now time for the government to support moves to repeal the act as quickly as possible.

"We utterly condemn sectarian language, acts and behaviour. That is why we remain committed to working constructively with the government and others to tackle sectarianism and other forms of hate crime.

"We also support initiatives that promote a positive atmosphere around football grounds."

All four opposition parties backed repealing the act in their election manifestos.

The legislation has been the subject of protests from football fans.

According to the latest figures, a total of 231 people have been convicted under the Act since it came into force.

The SNP has been contacted for comment by STV News.