A SERIES of "shocking" violent incidents in recent weeks show sectarianism is still a “real problem” in Scotland, a Glasgow charity leader has warned.

The director of Nil by Mouth said social media had only added to historic tensions with people spending increasing amounts of time, “trying to provoke and antagonise others.”

In one incident after the September 2 match, which saw Celtic win 1-0, a Rangers fan was apparently stabbed during a large-scale street fight outside a city centre pub.

In June, a Catholic priest was spat on and hit outside Alphonsus' Church in the city's east end as an Orange Walk passed, which led to subsequent marches being re-routed.

Read more: Petition to ban Orange marches reaches 50,000 mark

Nil by Mouth was launched by former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year, Cara Henderson, after the brutal sectarian-related murder of her Celtic supporting school friend Mark Scott in 1995.

The charity will kick off a series of Scotland-wide Action Weeks today targeting schools, colleges and workplaces with the anti-bigotry message, supported by politicians, teachers and firms including Network Rail.

Nil By Mouth Director Dave Scott said: “There has been a series of shocking events in recent weeks that remind us that sectarianism is still a very real problem in people’s lives.

“This is further stoked online through social media sites where, sadly, people are spending increasing amounts of time trying to provoke and antagonise others.

Read more: Catholic group accused of 'ramping up' tensions after alleged priest attack

“That is why we have launched a series of Action Weeks, kicking off in North Lanarkshire, which will give people from all walks of life a platform to come together to prove that there is much more that unites us than divides.”

It’s also fantastic that employers like Network Rail and New College are inviting us in to talk to staff and students to ensure that everyone is made aware of their rights and responsibilities. “Sectarianism is a problem that goes well beyond the touchlines and terraces.

Last year, Nil by Mouth worked with more than 10,000 people across more than 20 local authorities in Scotland. Over the next six months it will take its Action Week programme across the country including West Lothian, Ayrshire and Falkirk.