Debate on the issue of alcohol branding in sport was needed.

Old Firm sponsor Carling is to remove its logo from Rangers and Celtic children's football tops in a bid to promote responsible drinking. The move comes two years ahead of an agreed ban by the drinks industry on branding on child-size replica shirts. But an alcohol concern group has called for a total ban on alcohol sponsorship in sport. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) said a wider debate on the issue of alcohol branding in sport was needed. Carling, brewed by Coors, has sponsored Rangers and Celtic since 2003. Until now replica kits for children have been available without branding but these will become standard from next season. Jack Law, from Alcohol Focus Scotland, said he supported the move but called for a total ban. He said: "Why should fans, young or old, be exposed to so much alcohol advertising when they watch a match? "We would say that alcohol sponsorship in sport is inappropriate. "Footballers don't drink alcohol before a match to ensure peak fitness, but during the match itself they wear a top with an alcoholic drink logo on it. Alcohol and high performance do not go hand in hand."