AN historic Hogmanay football match was marred by a moment of madness after a minute's silence at the Old Firm game was broken disruptive fans.

A shout of "I hope you die" was heard breaking the 60 second silence in memory of the 66 Rangers fans who lost their lives in the 1971 Ibrox disaster during live coverage of the match on Sky Sports.

It is not known who the shout came from.

Other insults and noises could also be heard during the silence.

Players could be seen shaking their heads as the tribute was disrupted.

The silence was observed by the majority of fans at the match held at Ibrox, which is the first festive Old Firm derby since 2011.

Rangers and Celtic had urged supporters to respect the silence in memory of the 66 fans who lost their lives following a crush on Stairway 13 ahead of the Old Firm match.

There were three arrests at the first Old Firm game to be played on Hogmanay in the fixture’s 126-year-old history.

The timing of the game at Ibrox Stadium, which Celtic won 2-1, was heavily criticised over fears it would add pressure to police and ambulance services in Glasgow already overstretched by New Year revellers, and lead to an increase in drinking and violence.

By 4pm, two arrests had been made in the stadium - a 51-year-old man arrested and detained in relation to alleged disorder and a 24-year-old man who was arrested and detained after allegedly discharging a pyrotechnic device within the ground.

Another 24-year-old man was also arrested for allegedly setting off another device outside the stadium.

All three are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

During the match a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch after one of Celtic's goals.

The game, attended by a crowd of around 50,000. was the first festive clash of the Glasgow rivals since 2011.

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty said, "The overwhelming majority of supporters of both teams enjoyed the event and followed the advice which had been provided before the game.

“A well-planned policing operation was carried out with a wide range of partners to ensure the safety and security of all those attending the match."

The decision to hold the match at 12.15pm on Hogmanay had led to the setting up of a campaign group Bells Not Brawls, involving licensed trade representatives and business leaders, which called for the game to be moved.

Fears were raised it would could result in an increase in accidents and violence, including domestic abuse.

The critics included the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, which said the decision by football governing body the Scottish Professional Football League had “condemned the city of Glasgow to a Hogmanay of concern and uncertainty”.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represent rank-and-file officers, branded it a “ridiculous decision” which would make it a “long and uncomfortable day for police officers”.