OLD Firm supporters who flout the law in bars during the Scottish Cup semi-final risk being banned from future matches because they can be legally deemed “football grounds”.

Chief Inspector Stephen Stiff said a “small minority who spoil the occasion for others” will be targeted on Sunday when Rangers and Celtic meet at Hampden in Glasgow for the first Old Firm game in more than a year.

He said any public place which screens the match is deemed to be a “football ground” in law and anyone who is subject to a football banning order would be barred.

READ MORE: 450 extra cops on duty in Glasgow for Old Firm cup tie

Anyone who commits an offence which could attract a football banning order while watching the match in a pub could be banned from attending games. Officers have also visited known domestic abusers ahead of the game to 
offer safety advice as they said history shows a rise in drink-
fuelled violence around an Old Firm tie.

Patrols will be stepped up on Sunday, focusing on pubs and the conduct of travelling fans and preventing disorder.

Around 450 extra police officers will be deployed in Glasgow.

Mr Stiff said: “The game kicks off at noon and will be televised live, and in many licensed premises.

“This will be the first meeting of the two teams for some time and has the added pressure of being a cup semi-final. 

“History indicates that there is a rise in alcohol-related violence, including domestic violence, around an Old Firm game and as such we have been proactive in highlighting this to licensees across the region who will be screening the match live this weekend.

“Police Scotland officers have already made visits to licensed premises to remind staff of their licensing conditions and to offer safety advice. 
“Officers on Sunday are fully aware of those premises where the game is being screened and patrols will be directed accordingly.

READ MORE: 450 extra cops on duty in Glasgow for Old Firm cup tie

“We also need local supporters to understand the wider consequences of their actions if becoming involved in football-related disorder.

“Offenders don’t necessarily need to attend the game to attract a football banning order if convicted for a football-related offence, and we will assess circumstances closely and pursue all legal avenues to prevent future offending.”

Supporters entering the stadium will be closely monitored by dog-handlers to ensure contraband is not introduced. 

Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty, the local policing commander for Greater Glasgow, said: “We will also have police dogs to detect anything that shouldn’t be coming in to the stadium to make sure that the event is a safe environment for everybody there to enjoy.”

He added: “If you are caught taking something in that you shouldn’t have then, quite simple, you will be arrested.”

READ MORE: 450 extra cops on duty in Glasgow for Old Firm cup tie