HOOLIGANS are planning a series of violent booze-fuelled battles in the hours before the Old Firm clash.

 

It is feared thugs from both sides are intent on organising fights in the run-up to Sunday's game at Hampden Park.

Major steps are being taken to make sure there's no "explosion of violence" in Glasgow ahead of the first Old Firm clash for almost three years.

Extra cops will be on duty as police fear the 1.30pm kick-off time for this weekend's game will give fans time to drink before the match and possibly fuel trouble.

Officers have been banned from taking 'rest days' as a massive security operation is mounted in anticipation of possible violence sparked by the match result.

And cops could be brought in from other Scots cities to help their Glasgow colleagues.

Senior officers today vowed to take a hard line with football casuals involved in "pre-planned" fights as Celtic and Rangers meet for the first time since April 2012.

Specialist officers are already monitoring social networks and fans' forums and the Evening Times understands undercover "spotters" will dispatched across the city on Sunday.

A senior police source said: "We are gathering intelligence on possible pre-planned fights.

"There are concerns some people will arrange to fight before the game.

"With this being the first meeting between Rangers and Celtic in almost three years, we are expecting more trouble than usual.

"We expect public disorder officers to be in the city on Sunday, with the main purpose of disrupting any hooligan activity."

Eagle-eyed covert "spotters" will be deployed in the crowds, looking for any banned supporters or hooligans.

Some pubs in Glasgow city centre have taken the decision to 'black out' the Old Firm game.

It comes after the notorious Old Firm "Shame Game" of March 2011.

Three Rangers players were sent off and a dozen yellow cards were shown. Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist even squared up to each other at the end.

Around 185 people were detained throughout March 2, including more than 30 at the game, and suspects were held for domestic abuse offences.

Police are braced for an upsurge in incidents but vowed crime will not be tolerated before, during or after the match.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said the match would be "policed appropriately".