Flags and banners have been banned from Celtic’s Boxing Day tie against St Johnstone over fears about smoke bombs and flares being let off.
The Perth club confirmed the ban had been agreed with the Parkhead side and Police Scotland, which comes after seats were destroyed and smoke bombs let off by Celtic supporters during a recent match against Motherwell.
St Johnstone stated the decision had been made to ensure the 3pm Scottish Premiership game is "played in a safe environment which can be enjoyed by everyone."
It said the move was in response to "a significant increase in the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games across the country this season."
Police Scotland match commander Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: "We welcome both sets of supporters for what we are sure will be an excellent sporting event. We hope that they all enjoy themselves and we will be there to help keep them safe.
"The police and both clubs expect everyone to enjoy the occasion in the right way and abide by the law, as well as the ground regulations. We will be on hand to assist them where required and, where necessary, to deal effectively with anyone who is involved in disorder or other criminal behaviour.
"Those attending the game, as well as the local community, can rest assured that we will deal effectively with any incidents and put offenders before the courts. That could mean a spell in custody for offenders at a time when I am sure they would prefer to be with friends and family. So please come along and enjoy the game in the right way."
A statement released on the St Johnstone website stated: "As part of the planning process between the police, St Johnstone FC, Celtic FC and other agencies, a decision has been taken that flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park stadium for this game. Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others."
It also said police will carry out "stop checks carried out on supporters’ buses en route to the game."
Superintendent Lynch added: ‘"We look forward to an entertaining afternoon and hope that everyone who attends enjoys the contest between the sides in a good-natured and enthusiastic way where everyone is safe and remembers the game for all the right reasons."
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