Cops have vowed to search football fans ahead of Sunday's St Johnstone v Celtic Scottish Premiership tie in a flare crackdown.

Police will assist stewards in carrying out searches as part of an operation to stop supporters carrying smoke bombs and flares into matches.

It comes after travelling fans set off flares during last night’s 1-1 draw in Turkey against Fenerbahce - which could result in sanctions from UEFA.

Patrols will be stepped up in Perth as thousands of supporters descend on McDiarmid Park on Sunday.

Superintendent Tony Beveridge, match commander, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming a good crowd to Perth on Sunday for the match, which kicks off at 12.30pm.

"The vast majority of fans come along to enjoy the football and the police and stewards are present to help keep everyone safe.

"I want to remind supporters that it is an offence to try to enter the stadium in possession of alcohol or whilst drunk and this will be strictly enforced by police and stewards on duty.

"We want everyone to enjoy the game safely and anyone who threatens that safety by being drunk or behaving in a disorderly manner will be refused entry and may be arrested.

"We will also enforce legislation in respect of pyrotechnics and supporters will be searched prior to entering the ground.

"It’s also important that fans arrive in good time for the kick off and consider their travel plans carefully in light of the Forth Road Bridge being closed."