Ally McCoist has been heavily criticised for his comments relating to the new hate crime act which came into force in Scotland this week.

The Rangers legend made his remarks while looking ahead to this weekend's crucial derby fixture between his former club and Celtic.

Philippe Clement's side will host the champions at Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime, with the third installment of the derby this season promising drama aplenty as the title race looks set to go down to the wire.

McCoist today claimed the new law was 'madness' given 48,000 fans, including himself, are likely to be in breach of the bill when the derby encounter gets underway at the weekend.

And it's for this season that SNP MP Steven Bonnar has accused the pundit of letting his 'cheeky chappy mask slip'.

The Coatbridge constituent told the Daily Record: "McCoist seems to have let his cheeky chappy mask slip here.

"Perhaps he can enlighten us on which protected group it is he intends to target at the upcoming derby?

"On a day when everyone connected to the game in Scotland should be working to unsure the focus is firmly on what happens on the park, his comments are completely offside."

Mhairi Hunter, a former SNP councillor, added: "I'd like someone to ask him specifically what crime he thinks he is likely to commit.

READ MORE: Ally McCoist admits Rangers vs Celtic fear over 'crazy' hate crime law

"Threatening and abusive behaviour? Vandalism? Assault? These are the main types of hate crimes."

McCoist said on talkSPORT this 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."