Jack McConnell yesterday attacked his successor as "weak and complacent" in his response to sectarianism in Scotland.

The former Labour First Minister challenged Alex Salmond to respond to the challenge of sectarian violence in Old Firm football, but later said he was disappointed by the response he received.

Mr McConnell gave a high priority to tackling what he called "Scotland's secret shame", setting up a high level forum to set out ways it could be confronted. That strategy has not been pushed by the SNP administration.

Mr McConnell raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament yesterday following an attack and a threat against Old Firm players.

Celtic coach Neil Lennon was knocked unconscious by attackers in Glasgow after the Old Firm match at the weekend.

It was reported yesterday that Rangers player Nacho Novo had a guard placed on his home after critics posted his address on an internet site, as an incitement to others.

After Mr Salmond set out his legislative programme to MSPs, Mr Salmond asked him "to join us all in condemning attacks on Celtic coach Neil Lennon and the threat to the Rangers player Nacho Novo".

Mr McConnell went on to ask the First Minister "to explain why he has not maintained the progress of recent years on sectarianism in Scotland. Will he commit to reconvene in this coming year the sectarianism summit?"

Mr Salmond responded: "This government and everyone in this chamber knows that sectarianism is a continuing problem in Scottish society. Everybody has the highest priority in tackling that and other ills in Scottish society."

Mr McConnell, the Motherwell and Wishaw MSP, said he was "extremely disappointed" at the weak response from the First Minister.

"A sectarianism summit would take half a day from his diary in the next 12 months and he refused to commit to any action to maintain the progress of recent years and end the appearance of complacency. I urge him to think seriously about leading Scotland on this matter and not be left behind."