The decision to play the Old Firm match on Hogmanay is the "best option", according to Police Scotland.

Football governing body the SPFL confirmed on Wednesday that the second derby between Rangers and Celtic in the 2016/17 campaign will take place on December 31 with a lunchtime kick-off.

The Glasgow teams were scheduled to play at Ibrox on Hogmanay at 3pm when the full fixtures for the season were published four months ago.

It was expected the game would be moved to an alternative date but it will now take place on the original date with a 12.15pm start for TV.

It will be the first time an Old Firm match has been held on Hogmanay.

STV News understands a number of dates were considered for the match, including a night-time fixture on Friday, December 30, or switching the tie to New Year's Day.

The decision to play the game on its originally scheduled date was taken by the SPFL after consultation with broadcasters and Police Scotland.

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins, the force's strategic lead on football, defended the decision, saying it was the best option to "minimising the wider community impact".

He said: "The time and date of the next Old Firm fixture was decided after discussions between ourselves, football authorities and broadcasters.

"We believe this is the best option in terms of the needs of the interested parties and minimising the wider community impact.

"Planning has already started in terms of the policing of the fixture and again will involve a multi-agency partnership approach."

One arrest was made at the first Old Firm match of the season on Saturday at Celtic Park.

The move has been criticised by a police union and the Scottish Conservatives.

Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele said: "It's incomprehensible. There are many reasons why the decision to hold an Old Firm match on Hogmanay is very hard to understand.

"The emergency services will be overstretched and I feel it will be a very long and uncomfortable night for thousands of police officers."

Scottish Conservatives sport spokesman Brian Whittle said: "Everyone knows the challenges surrounding Old Firm matches, and lumping that in with the most drink-fuelled night of the year is baffling."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Scheduling of the Old Firm game is a matter for SPFL, in consultation with Police Scotland."