THE Catholic Church has called for a ban on “sectarian” number plates following the sale of one with the letters 'FTP'.

The move comes after a listing of an S6 FTP number plate on Gumtree, which was described as a number plate that would appeal to Rangers fans. 

Indeed the listing said the plate had originally been on a Rangers supporters’ minibus with the last three letters being an abbreviation for “F*** the Pope”

The sale of such an item has been condemned by the Catholic Church. Speaking to The Times they said: "The Catholic Church in Scotland said the letters 'FTP' are "offensive and intended as such.

"The DVLA should review its position since the letters concerned clearly meet the criteria they have set." 

The organisation said its official policy was to only withhold plates “likely to cause offence or embarrassment to the general population.

“The numbers in question were not deemed unsuitable for release."

They confirmed that there were no plans to restrict sales of plates including the letters 'FTP', a move which slammed by campaigners. 

A spokesman for Call It Out said: “These three letters are a familiar term of abuse in Scotland.

"It is clear from that both seller and buyer recognises the value they have for those who wish to showcase their intolerance in this fashion.

"While there are far more pressing issues relating to anti-Catholic bigotry and anti-Irish racism, such examples of petty intolerance are nevertheless indicative of a wider problem in our society and reinforce the importance for everyone in Scotland effectively tackling this issue.”