FOOTBALL is still failing to tackle the sectarian issues plaguing the game, a new report published today will say.

Five years after ministers established an independent group to advise on the scourge of sectarianism and two years since the publication of the panel's findings, the latest report will detail progress made since 2015.

But while it is expected to point to a number of positives, The Herald understands it will also detail a sense of exasperation with football clubs and authorities in confronting a culture of sectarianism within the wider game.

READ MORE: Herald View: A stricter approach needed on sectarianism in football

One source said it will reference an ongoing culture of denial, adding that this approach by many within football remained a major barrier in making progress.

The 2015 report said that while the centuries-old problem of sectarianism in Scotland was far from confined to the sport there could be little meaningful change in attitudes unless the wider football community addresses it.

Since the publication of the report there have been attempts to push the 'strict liability' scheme where clubs would be be held responsible for the behaviour of fans.

Pivotal figures in the Scottish game, most notably Celtic's chief executive Peter Lawwell, have openly opposed the system. Much of the efforts by clubs to address sectarianism is still publicly funded.

One source said: "Its been difficult to get football to engage with the group when they have set their faces against the issue. Two years on from the question being asked about what the alternatives to strict liability could be there hasn't been any coming from within football."

It is understood the report, published just days before the latest clash between Celtic and Rangers, will again state that sectarianism is not the biggest social problem in Scotland but should be seen in the wider context of equalities and human rights issues.

The group is headed by Northern Ireland academic Dr Duncan Morrow, who has a background in community relations work, with Scots-based academics and members of civic society doing much of the localised ground work.

READ MORE: Herald View: A stricter approach needed on sectarianism in football

The 2015 report outlined a frustration within football in dealing with the problem, a social attitudes survey stating that most people associated football and it's wider culture with the problem.

The launch of the report is also expected to coincide with the Government's later announcements on where it was funding anti-sectarian work.