FOOTBALL fans are being urged to ensure today is remembered for the right reasons as Glasgow gears up for the much-anticipated return of the Old Firm.

Weeks of planning by police, transport and security officials will be put to the test as thousands of fans flock to the city for the derby, which is set to return as a regular fixture next season.

The Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden is the first game between the rivals since February last year and only the second since Rangers were forced to begin the 2012-13 season in the Third Division.

Millions are expected to tune in around the world to see what is regarded as one of the most passionate clashes in football.

An extra 450 police officers have been drafted in for the match, while officers policing the rail network will be wearing body cameras to tackle misbehaviour. The city's hospitals have also put plans in place to deal with any increase in admissions.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty, the local policing commander for Greater Glasgow, urged fans to make today about the football.

He said: "This is the first meeting of Rangers and Celtic for just over a year and, as we can see from the build up to the game especially in the media – locally, nationally and even internationally, the interest and excitement is massive.

“Let’s remember the game for the right reasons; as an exciting game of football. Get behind your team and help make it the spectacle it can be and for it to be remembered for the football on the pitch."

However, while many fans will do just that, the game is also infamous for creating a spike in violence, sectarianism and domestic abuse. Police hope to tackle this by bolstering existing patrols with the hundreds of extra officers, some of whom will be plain-clothed.

Extra patrols will be put in place at particular pubs or areas of the city which may need more attention, while Celtic and Rangers players have also been warned that their behaviour on the pitch affects that of supporters off it.

On Friday, officers also began detaining known domestic abusers who are either awaiting trial or out on licence under strict conditions in a bid to protect their families.

However, this has been met with some concern by Scottish Women's Aid, who argue that women are done "no favours" when it is suggested that domestic abuse is caused by football.

Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of the charity, said: "Football does not cause domestic abuse. Alcohol consumption does not cause domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is a cause and consequence of patriarchal attitudes, gender stereotypes, male entitlement and privilege, and women’s inequality."

At the match itself, fans are being warned not to take in banned items such as offensive weapons and pyrotechnics, with Chief Superintendent McInulty adding: "We will have a significant operation within the environment of the stadium, working very closely with the stewards. We will also have police dogs to detect anything that shouldn’t be coming in to the stadium to make sure that the event is a safe environment for everybody there to enjoy."

There will also be a increased police presence in other cities throughout Scotland where pubs and clubs are showing the match. For most pubs and businesses, the match will be a welcome boost to trade, with research suggesting Rangers return to the top flight and the three or four Old Firm clashes a season that brings will create a multi-million pound boost to the economy.

However, one pub chain, JD Wetherspoon, has banned its bars in Glasgow from screening the tie, while also boosting security.

NHS Greater Glasgow confirmed all its A&E wards will be “staffed accordingly” for a major city event.