Police yesterday praised the vast majority of fans at the first Old Firm encounter of the new campaign, which passed off without a repeat of the ugly scenes of last season.

Among those at Ibrox was a cross-party group of politicians from Holyrood’s Justice Committee seeking better understanding of proposals for new anti-sectarian legislation.

Strathclyde Police said a small minority of Celtic and Rangers fans caused disruption but overall the match-day operation went smoothly.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan said: “This was a straightforward policing operation and it would appear that the vast majority of fans behaved sensibly and enjoyed what they were there to see -- football.

“In the main, supporters did not engage in sectarian singing and that is to be welcomed.

“However, the behaviour of a few was unacceptable and, as a result, 15 people were arrested for a range of offences including four for alleged sectarian offences.”

The MSPs are in the process of scrutinising the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through Holyrood.

If passed, the Bill would mean those convicted could spend as long as five years in prison and be banned from all football grounds.

Among those at the game, which Rangers won 4-2, was the committee convenor Christine Grahame.

She said: “What perhaps concerns me is the funding and resources that have to go into this, because there are over 300 police here today, and we believe there are around 500 stewards.

“I have been very impressed with the containment. There are searches done in advance, but they are done discreetly.

“I think what I am concerned about now to look at is when the fans leave the stadium and go elsewhere, and certainly when they were coming towards the stadium. I think we are going to listen and see what the transport police have to say.”

Conservative MSP John Lamont also attended the game and was pleased to witness the pre-match police preparations.

He said: “We were able to see the police briefing and all the preparations that go on prior to the match. It was fascinating to see the level of planning that takes place.

“We also witnessed first-hand the tension between … rival fans. We stood at the partition point, where there is a boundary between Celtic fans and Rangers fans, and saw the very clear tension that exists.

“I’m not a football fan and it was the first time I’ve been to an Old Firm match but it was very interesting to see how the police operate within the existing laws to try to control offensive and sectarian behaviour.”

Celtic supporter James McGregor, 20, of Maryhill, said that behaviour at yesterday’s match seemed to have improved from last season but warned that it was still early in the season.

Mr McGregor, who watched the match with his girlfriend, a Rangers fan, said: “It was a really good game in terms of atmosphere.

“There were a lot of police at the game but most people seemed to behave themselves: I’ve seen it a lot worse.

“But it’s just the first game of the season and people are quite calm just now. Who knows what will happen later in the season when the points matter more.”

The SNP originally wanted to pass the disorder Bill before the start of the new season as a result of the worrying scenes witnessed earlier in the year.

However, the process was delayed amid concerns that the new legislation was being rushed through too quickly, and the Bill is now being subjected to further scrutiny.

Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison added: “Old Firm matches are always standout fixtures and should be a showcase for all that is good about Scottish football -- passion, respect, commitment and a determination from both sides to win.

“The overwhelming vast majority of fans act responsibly and we urge everyone to behave in a way befitting our national game, helping to ensure the match is remembered for all the right reasons.”