FEARS that the first Old Firm clash for almost three years will explode in violence have led to extra cops being put on duty.

 

Police fear the 1.30pm kick-off time for next weekend's game will give fans time to drink before the match and possibly fuel trouble.

But senior officers have vowed to take a hard line with troublemakers as Celtic and Rangers meet for the first time since April 2012.

Officers have been banned from taking 'rest days' as a massive security operation is mounted in anticipation of possible violence sparked by the match result.

A senior police source disclosed last night that teams of officers had been working behind the scenes to gather intelligence on possible pre-planned fights.

The source, who asked not to be named, said:"There are concerns those who tend to turn up at 'football casual fights' will arrange to fight before the game.

"With that as a backdrop, police have been gathering intelligence, both on the ground and online, to counter any organised disruption.

"With this being the first meeting between Rangers and Celtic in almost three years, I imagine there could be more trouble than usual."

The plan, say senior police sources, is simple: stop crime, especially the violence and disorder associated with Old Firm matches.

Officers will be dispatched across Glasgow: checkpoints will be set up at every route into Hampden Stadium; extra resources will be drafted in to the city centre; and licencsed premises will be checked throughout the day.

Plainclothes 'spotters' will roam the city's streets intent on stopping any hooligans that shame the Old Firm clash.

The security operation will start days before next Sunday's 1.30pm kick-off.

Frontline officers will be briefed this week and immediately start to achieve the twin goals of engagement and reassurance.

The Sunday Herald understands "particular attention" will be payed to known domestic abusers across Scotland ahead of the clash.

Security steps being taken over the next week will include officers from the public protection unit, football policing unit, anti-disorder officers and members of the violence reduction unit being brought together to help identify known offenders.

Some pubs in Glasgow have taken the decision to 'black out' the Old Firm game.

Pub chain Wetherspoon's confirmed the League Cup semi-final will not be shown in their pubs in Glasgow.

And the security operation will not be confined to the area around Hampden and Glasgow city centre.

With the match being screened live on BBC Scotland a week today, extra officers will be on standby in anticipation of disturbances at home across the country.

The police insider added: "The game being on telly means we could see groups of people congregating at houses and flats to watch the match, but also drinking heavily before and after.

"As the alcohol flows, tempers could fray and we have to be ready for the possibility of fights breaking out in residential areas."

One of the most notorious Old Firm encounters of recent times was the "Shame Game" of March 2011.

Three Rangers players were sent off and a dozen yellow cards were shown.

Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist even squared up to each other at the end, leading to First Minister Alex Salmond holding a summit with Rangers and Celtic bosses days later.

Police detained 187 people throughout March 2, including more than 30 at the game, and suspects were held for domestic abuse offences.

But officers said arrangements for next weekend's clash are well in hand, with one adding: "Policing Old Firm matches isn't new for us."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman told the Sunday Herald: "Annual leave has not been cancelled.

"Rest days have been cancelled for a small number of officers, but this would happen for any major sporting event."

Asked about the operation to police the game, she added: "It will be policed appropriately."