POLICE have praised the behaviour of fans at the latest Old Firm derby and hailed the match as an example of the fixture "at its best".
Officers from Strathclyde Police made just 12 arrests in and around Celtic Park on Wednesday night as Rangers and Celtic battled it out for the second time this season. All of the arrests were for non-sectarian, low-level offending.
There was a large police presence at the ground and surrounding area prior to the 7.45pm kick off, but event commander Campbell Corrigan said fans showed "good sportsmanship".
The assistant chief constable said: "There were no reports of sectarian singing recorded by police and I would like to thank both sets of fans for their continuing commitment to reducing this type of behaviour.
"Various police operations were ongoing prior to the kick off, including spot checks on buses and coaches travelling to the game and the number of people found with alcohol on board was very low. It was a great example of an Old Firm fixture at its best."
The positive comments are in stark contrast to last season and the Scottish Cup replay in March when 34 arrests were made at Celtic Park and First Minister Alex Salmond branded the fixture "disgraceful".
This week's game was the first Old Firm clash since the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament. Celtic won the match to go two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
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