Slams Old Firm clash on Hogmanay

Superintendents said: “It is foolish. The implications for the pol ice are significant. It’s not just policing the ground, it’s also outside of it, so there are significant costs involved. “

The Scottish Police Federation said : “For decades the pol ice service have worked with the football authorities to avoid an Old Firm fixture taking place on Hogmanay because of safety concerns. Suddenly we’re expected to believe it’s the safest thing to do.” Scottish Licensed Trade Association president Paul Waterson said: “There’s a lot of anger among our members at this ridiculous decision.

“Already, we’re seeing people cancelling bookings for party nights in Glasgow city centre.”

Glasgow nightclub owner Donald MacLeod, also the convenor of the Glasgow Licencing Forum, says he will still open, but fears he will make a loss.

He added: “This decision is not in the best interests of Glasgow, or tourism or business. I would like to hold the Scottish Professional Football League accountable for any loss of earnings and damage to our trade.”

A Glasgow Ta xi Association spokesman said: “Significantly more taxi drivers than usual will opt out of servicing the city.

“Personal safety and the potential for damage to expensive vehicles make it too great a risk for many.”

A crowd of nearly 60,000 is expected at the game, with hundreds of thousands more watching the game in pubs and at home.

There’s an undercurrent that goes on outwith stadiums that’s regrettable