POLICE have launched an investigation into Saturday's Old Firm fixture after a toilet block at Celtic Park was vandalised and hanged effigies were suspended from a tier inside the stadium.

The scenes have been described as "hugely disappointing" by senior officers who previously reported that only one football fan had been arrested during the game in which Celtic defeated Rangers 5-1.

But following the first league clash between the teams in four years, pictures emerged on social media of a toilet block that appeared to have been smashed to pieces by the travelling Rangers support.

Celtic supporters also came under fire for producing a banner which read "Hun Scum" and dangling two plastic effigies with hands tied behind their backs in the manner of an execution from the upper tier of the Jock Stein Stand.

The hanging blow up dolls adorned with Rangers scarves could be seen at the start of the live TV coverage of the match as the players took to the pitch.

Glasgow Times:

Rival fans have disputed the significance of the stunt with some suggesting it was making reference to Rangers FC liquidation in 2012, but others emphasised that it coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day.

Bernard Higgins, Assistant Chief Constable for Justice and Support, said: "The overwhelming majority of those who attended the Celtic v Rangers game behaved responsibly and appeared to heed the advice given in the run up to the fixture. 

"What is hugely disappointing and frustrating is that a minority of individuals behaved in a manner which has no place in our communities, football and modern society and which has resulted in Police Scotland carrying out investigations to identify those responsible."

Glasgow Times:

A spokesman for Rangers FC described the effigies as a "disgraceful and sickening" act.

He said: "It was a vile and insensitive stunt which, understandably, has attracted widespread condemnation.

“This was a new low but there were other unacceptable images which were also deeply offensive to Rangers supporters."

It follows a call form Rangers supporters group Club 1872 to ban Celtic fans from Ibrox after what it described as "overtly sectarian" displays.

Glasgow Times:

A Celtic FC spokesman said the club would not become embroiled in a "tit for tat spat"/

"We will deal with all issues arising in a proper and professional manner in line with our well established policies," he said.

At the weekend a Police Scotland spokeswoman said no criminal complaint had been made about the toilet damage and the matter was currently being dealt with internally by Celtic.

But Police Scotland has now confirmed that an investigation will be launched into the vandalism.