JUST three arrests were made yesterday at the first Old Firm game to be played on Hogmanay in the fixture’s 126-year-old history, confounding predictions that it would promote disorder.

The timing of the game at Ibrox Stadium, which Celtic won 2-1, was heavily criticised over fears it would add pressure to police and ambulance services in Glasgow already overstretched by New Year revellers, and lead to an increase in drinking and violence.

By 4pm yesterday, two arrests had been made in the stadium – a 51-year-old man arrested and detained in relation to alleged disorder and a 24-year-old man who was arrested and detained after allegedly discharging a pyrotechnic device within the ground. Another 24-year-old man was also arrested for allegedly setting off another device outside the stadium.

All three are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

A minute’s silence held in memory of the 66 Rangers fans who died in the 1971 Ibrox disaster before the game was disrupted by a shout of ‘I hope you die’ and other noises – although the majority of fans did observe the tribute.

During the match a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch after one of Celtic's goals.

The game, attended by a crowd of around 50,000. was the first festive clash of the Glasgow rivals since 2011.

Yesterday Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty said, "The overwhelming majority of supporters of both teams enjoyed the event and followed the advice which had been provided before the game.

“A well-planned policing operation was carried out with a wide range of partners to ensure the safety and security of all those attending the match."

The decision to hold the match at 12.15pm on Hogmanay had led to the setting up of a campaign group Bells Not Brawls, involving licensed trade representatives and business leaders, which called for the game to be moved.

Fears were raised it would could result in an increase in accidents and violence, including domestic abuse.

The critics included the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, which said the decision by football governing body the Scottish Professional Football League had “condemned the city of Glasgow to a Hogmanay of concern and uncertainty”.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represent rank-and-file officers, branded it a “ridiculous decision” which would make it a “long and uncomfortable day for police officers”.

Charity Medics Against Violence, which encourages work to prevent violence, said the scheduling of the game had the potential to lead to people consuming alcohol over an even longer period than would be usual at Hogmanay.

However Police Scotland had defended the decision, with Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, the force's strategic lead on football, saying it was the best option to "minimise the wider community impact" and that the early kick-off time would cut the amount of drinking taking place.

Ahead of the game fans were told they would be refused entry to Ibrox if they had been drinking alcohol and supporters were warned against taking part in sectarian and offensive behaviour.

The Old Firm clash in September at Celtic Park – the first in four years - was marred by incidents including effigies of Rangers fans being hung from the stands and vandalism of toilets in the away end of the ground.