'We're On The Ball' posters will be displayed in public places across North Lanarkshire and will help reinforce key messages of the nation-wide 'Show Racism the Red Card' which campaigns against racism in football and society.

Show Racism the Red Card campaign co-ordinator Billy Singh said: "Statistics say that there are 14 hate crimes reported every day in Scotland but with the suggestion that around 80 per cent of crime goes unreported clearly we are talking about a totally unacceptable figure.

"Football fans generally behave themselves for 90 minutes, especially at senior grounds, because they are told to however, we need them to display the same attitude once they leave the football and return to their communities or workplaces."

The 'We're On The Ball' campaign highlights the fact that discrimination and hate crime might not just be on grounds of race alone; it could also be about age, disability, gender, religious belief or sexual orientation.

The posters will encourage local communities to report any incidents of this type to the police or to North Lanarkshire First Stop Shops.

North Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Caroline Scott said: "The message is simple. We must all be aware of our actions as we go through our day-to-day lives and of the effects of discriminating against others - whether on grounds of race, age, disability, gender, religious belief, or sexual orientation.

"This type of behaviour will simply not be tolerated.

"I hope that the 'We're On The Ball' campaign will build confidence among local residents and that people will feel reassured that any incidents of hate crime will be taken seriously and dealt with in confidence.

"Only by engaging with local communities can we really understand how crime affects our communities and actions can be taken to tackle the problems. There is no place for discrimination in a civilised society."

The campaign is backed by North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, Broadwood Stadium Management, Show Racism the Red Card, Crimestoppers, Motherwell Football Club, Airdrie United FC, Albion Rovers FC and Clyde FC.

SFA Community Officer for Motherwell FC Bobby Jenks, who is based at Fir Park, said: "Motherwell Football Club extends their full support to this campaign and we are fully committed to working closely with local police through various initiatives to promote this important message."