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THE only Old Firm game of the season was played in a cauldron of sectarian hatred last night.

The match involving Rangers and Celtic youth teams prompted an outpouring of bile to shame Scotland – and violence was only contained by a strong police presence.

The Glasgow Cup final at Celtic Park should have been a showcase of young talent on both

sides, but thugs spoiled the occasion and police feared it would turn into a full-scale riot.

As the match kicked off, a group of Rangers casuals with scarves over their faces and a number of Celtic fans tried to break through segregated areas after goading each other with sectarian songs.

None of these so-called supporters paid any attention to the game, preferring to stand with their backs to the action to spew their venom at their rivals.

A smoke bomb was set off by Celtic fans while Rangers fans threw flares and firecrackers.

Sections of the crowd on both sides spent the first 25 minutes taunting each other and chanting vile messages.

Before the half-hour mark, the media were escorted to safety along with neutrals sandwiched between the opposing fans.

Police and stewards also faced a torrent of hate from sections of the 8000-strong crowd.

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Witnesses described the atmosphere as “shocking and disgusting”.

One fan said: “Things turned brutal almost from the off.

“If this is an example of what happens at an Old Firm match involving under-17s, God help

us when the clubs meet for real.”

The Record’s Gordon Parks added: “I’ve covered games for over a decade and have never been so revolted. It’s a kids’ game and should have been the highlight of their footballing careers but the headlines again will be the behaviour of the fans.”

Before the match had even begun, it was clear the police expected trouble and were desperate to keep the rival fans apart.

Visiting Rangers supporters were “kettled” along London Road to prevent any pre-match clashes.

Police action also ensured the trouble was quelled before the final whistle – but Celtic were left counting the cost last night after dozens of seats were ripped up inside the stadium during the game.

Both clubs are now likely to face severe disciplinary action after the game, which Celtic won 1-0.

The disgraceful scenes were a carbon copy of those witnessed in the same fixture a year ago at Partick Thistle’s Firhill ground.

Thugs let off flares and ripped up seats, rival supporters taunted each other during the match and smoke bombs were thrown on the pitch. Seven fans were arrested.