Police Scotland will carry out a special operation during Heart's Scottish Cup match against Celtic at Tynecastle to clampdown on fans carrying fireworks and flares.

Officers will carry out searches outside Tynecastle Stadium and use specialist search dogs to catch people trying to smuggle illegal items into the venue.

Police are warning that robust action will be taken against anyone trying to take fireworks or flares into the ground.

Celtic were fined approximately £4,200 after supporters let off fireworks during their Celtic Park Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville in July.

The warning follows incidents at recent matches between the clubs where flares or fireworks have been used.

It also comes days after Celtic fans displayed controversial banners during the club's Champions League match against AC Milan and at its Aberdeen game.

Neil Lennon said the sight of the banners at the AC Milan match made his heart sink.

Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, who is in charge of the policing operation on Sunday, said:

"The match kicks off at 3pm, and I would encourage supporters to get there early, as there is limited parking near to the ground.

"There will be search cordons in place around the stadium, and searches will be undertaken as a condition of entry to the ground. A specialist search dog will be used to detect anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

"We recognise that the majority of supporters are well behaved, however there are a small minority who in the past have put themselves and others in danger by throwing fireworks or flares.

"If this behaviour continues then it will only be a matter of time before someone suffers a serious injury, and we are working with clubs and stewards to do all we can to prevent such dangerous behaviour.

"Anyone who is caught with a flare or firework can expect to be arrested, either at the time, or as a result of a post-match investigation. As well as receiving a criminal conviction, they may very well find themselves being banned from attending future matches throughout the country."