Fans warned to behave themselves ahead of Old Firm showdown

On Sunday, Celtic and Rangers will battle it out for the first time this season at Parkhead.

In response to the highly anticipated Scottish Premiership game, Police Scotland has been working with a number of partners – including British Transport Police, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the two football clubs – to ensure the supporters' safety.

Superintendent Simon Jeacocke told the Evening Times: "There's always a real sense of anticipation for these matches. It is something that we look forward to, but there's going to be a significant policing operation in place.

"As a result we've called in specialist resources from all around the country, so we've got public order, trained officers, mounted officers and dog branch officers available to me, as well as conventional police officers that will be working at this game."

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins previously voiced his fears over the potentially fatal consequences of flares and smoke bombs at games.

He said: "It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously injured or, heaven forbid, killed."

Superintendent Jeacocke wished to remind fans that pyrotechnics will not be tolerated.

He said: "Pyrotechnics, unfortunately, have been a feature at some matches recently.

"Please don't bring pyrotechnics into the stadium. I don't want people to be injured because someone has brought a pyrotechnic or a smoke bomb into the stadium.

"There will be families, young people and older people who might not be able to get out of the way quickly if a flare is thrown. The last thing I want is for someone to get hurt or injured as a result of that.

"Think of your fellow supporters and people who will be working within the stadium – think of their safety."

Police will be running a licensing initiative on Sunday and will be visiting pubs within the city to maintain order.

Those watching – or going to the game – are being urged to drink responsibly.

Superintendent Jeacocke stated: "I don't want anybody to miss the game because they've had too much to drink and they maybe get arrested.

"If you turn up at the ground and you're under the influence of alcohol, you won't get in and you won't be able to see the game."

Those attending the match are being encouraged to plan ahead as there will be queues.

Due to the reduced number of Rangers fans, those supporters will be held back at the end of the game for 15 minutes. However, there will be an opportunity to leave early, which will be broadcast at the match.

Police will continue to monitor the situation ahead of the match to combat any trouble.

Superintendent Jeacocke added: "We are closely monitoring any intelligence that comes in so we're able to react and deploy officers appropriately. But regardless of what happens, I'm satisfied we've got sufficient resources in place that we can respond to anything that happens, whether it be at Celtic Park or elsewhere in the city."