Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

POLICE say they are studying CCTV footage from a football ground where three fans were arrested at a youth cup final between Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic.

Last night's Glasgow Cup under-17s fixture at Firhill Park, the home of Partick Thistle FC, was the first meeting of the Old Firm since Rangers were relegated to the Third Division.

Fans ripped up seats, threw flares and invaded the pitch during an Old Firm kids match last night.

Witnesses told of running street battles outside the ground after the match as masked yobs ambushed rival supporters.

The Glasgow Cup Under-17 match – the first high-profile game between the two sides since Rangers were demoted to Division Three – was marred by both sets of fans.

The match was delayed by five minutes as more than 6000 supporters flooded into Partick Thistle’s Firhill ground.

There was a heavy police presence, with mounted officers and helicopters called up.

Police Scotland said three arrests were made at the game which Rangers won 3-2.

Two 17-year-old boys were arrested inside the ground over an alleged pitch invasion and a 19-year-old man was arrested outside the stadium in connection with a minor assault.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Trouble flared before a ball was even kicked as fans of both clubs hurled abuse at each other on the way to the ground.

Tensions then escalated inside the stadium as supporters threw flares and smoke bombs and a section of Celtic and Rangers supporters smashed up dozens of seats. Cops and stewards looked on as supporters sang sectarian songs and spat abuse.

One fan who was at the game said: “Red and blue flares were set off in the Rangers end before Celtic fans responded with a green one.

“At one point before the start, you could barely see the pitch and smoke filled the air.”

There was violence on the streets after the match – which Rangers won 3-2 – as innocent supporters were caught up in running street battles in Maryhill.

Police said three people had been arrested during and after the match, two for invading the pitch and one outside the stadium.

Fans of both clubs last night condemned the shameful scenes. A Celts fan said: “Celtic supporters ripping up seats and Rangers fans fighting in the streets at an under-17 game? What an absolute disgrace.

(Image: SNS Group Craig Watson)

“There were young boys at the game who were set upon by grown men wearing masks outside. The police were nowhere to be seen until the worst was over.”

A Rangers fan added: “People had turned up to witness an Old Firm game for the first time in a while and it was ruined by a small group of idiots.

“For a youth game to end up like this is embarrassing and shameful.

“All these people have done is drag the names of the clubs through the mud.”

Both clubs say they are helping police with their investigation.

A Celtic spokesman said: "We are looking into last night's match in more detail, together with all the relevant authorities, and clearly will deal with any issues appropriately."

A Rangers spokesman said: "It is disappointing that the off-field incidents at the Glasgow Cup Final last night detracted from a good game of football and a terrific result for the Rangers under-17 team.

"The club will assist the police with all their inquiries."

Do you know any of the people involved in last night's trouble? If so, ring our newsdesk on 0141 309 3251.