DAVID BEATTIE today defended Partick Thistle's decision to move Jags fans from the North Stand for the visit of champions Celtic this weekend.

While away supporters have been allocated the Main Stand for SPFL Premiership fixtures so far this season, Hoops fans will be housed behind the goal when Neil Lennon's side make the trip across Glasgow on Sunday for the first derby of the campaign.

Fears over the potential use of flares by the visiting fans saw Thistle urged to make the switch and relocate their singing section for one match only.

And chairman Beattie insists it was the right call to make - despite an angry backlash from sections of the Jags support.

He told SportTimes: "It is a duty of care. I have said it before and I will say it again, there are no other agendas here.

"We were advised there was a potential issue and we had to take that on board. Unfortunately, that meant we had to move the Thistle fans. It was not something we did lightly or we wanted to do. But, if we are advised by a safety team, we have to listen.

"I can absolutely understand their frustrations, we completely understand why they are unhappy. But, safety has to come first.

"We were advised to take this course of action by the safety team and we have followed through with that and made the decision. We would be foolish as a board of directors if we didn't do that.

"The safety and well-being of everyone inside Firhill is of paramount importance. It is a big thing for the Thistle fans to have to move from the North Stand, but it is for this game.

"If we were given the same advice for any other games, we would do the same thing."