Police Warning Ahead Of Old Firm Clash

Celtic and Rangers will play for the first time in almost three years today, with police warning supporters they will crackdown on any signs of trouble.

The League Cup semi-final match at Hampden Park in Glasgow is a sell-out and will have an international TV audience with 54 countries screening the game.

Tensions are set to be high in what is the first game between the clubs since Rangers' liquidation in 2012 and both clubs have been visited by Police Scotland to remind players and management of their responsibilities in a bid to minimise any possibility of trouble.

Officers have said they will be monitoring social media as well as having an increased presence on streets in and around Glasgow. Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, the match commander, said the force is ''well-versed in policing high-profile matches''.

''Once again, Glasgow will be the focus of attention with a large number of visitors expected in the city, he said.

''We're well-versed in policing high-profile matches and sporting events, and we have an appropriate plan in place to ensure the safety of people attending the matches and visiting the city.

''I am sure that most supporters will enjoy the sporting occasion, however a minority may choose to cause disorder and my message to them is clear: anyone involved in disorder will be arrested.''

Officers are to be deployed at the stadium, in Glasgow city centre and at major transport hubs before, during and after the match. Dundee United secured their final place with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen in the first semi final at Hampden yesterday.

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) said the match has a potential audience of 129 million outside of the UK, with broadcasters in the US, Australia, Europe and Asia screening it.

In Scotland, the match is being broadcast on the BBC but some pubs in Glasgow have said they will not be showing it.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: The interest in the Glasgow derby in particular has been extraordinary and this is reflected in the huge number of territories which will enjoy live coverage of the game, thanks to the SPFL's partnership with international broadcast rights partner, MP & Silva.''

Bookmakers in Scotland are predicted one of their busiest ever days with Andy Murray's Australian Open final taking place before the Celtic Rangers game.

Up to £10 million is expected to be staked on the semi final, breaking previous records.