Dundee have said they removed an Irish tricolour from Celtic fans because it was covering advertising at Dens Park.

The flag was being displayed in the away end during Sunday's Premiership clash until it was whipped away by a steward.

Television footage showed a Celtic fan jumping around 12ft into the concourse to pursue the steward.

Celtic fans often display the Irish flag in tribute to the club's roots, and many angrily complained on social media that removing the tricolour was a slur on that history.

Many believed that displaying the flag had been treated as an offensive and sectarian gesture by stewards.

However, John Nelms, managing director at Dundee, told STV News the flag was only removed because it was covering an advertising hoarding.

Speaking outside Hampden ahead of an SPFL board meeting, Helms said: "The flag itself was taken down because it was covering up a board that was paid for by patrons that support the club.

"That's the only reason it was taken down."

Celtic won the match 1-0 to move ten points clear at the top of the Premiership.