Police study CCTV from under 17s Old Firm clash

POLICE say they are studying CCTV footage from a football ground where three fans were arrested at a youth cup final between Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic.

Fans let off flares during the under-17s cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Firhill Stadium. Picture: SNS

Last night’s Glasgow Cup under-17s fixture at Firhill Park, the home of Partick Thistle FC, was the first meeting of the Old Firm since Rangers were relegated to the Third Division.

Kick-off was reportedly delayed as supporters set off flares and smoke bombs and damaged seats in the stands.

Police Scotland said three arrests were made at the game which Rangers won 3-2.

Two 17-year-old boys were arrested inside the ground over an alleged pitch invasion and a 19-year-old man was arrested outside the stadium in connection with a minor assault.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

About 6,000 people attended the match.

Even before the game started there were reports of violence.

A Rangers goal after 32 minutes put the Ibrox team 2-1 up and provoked more flares. A steward was seen running into the North Stand that housed Rangers fans with a fire extinguisher after a flare had gone off under a seat.

A pitch invasion by two fans delayed the final whistle. By the time the game finished – a 3-2 victory for Rangers – there was a police helicopter circling overhead. Many fans had tweeted scenes of ripped-out seats.