The Rangers and Celtic teams will speak to officers from Strathclyde police before the match at Hampden Park, it was confirmed tonight.

The announcement was made following a meeting of a Joint Action Group set up after last week's Old Firm summit.

The meeting in Edinburgh followed an ill-tempered Scottish Cup clash between the two clubs on March 2.

Thirty-four supporters were arrested at Celtic Park and three Rangers players were red-carded, while management duo Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist were involved in an angry confrontation.

Away from the stadium, police figures show that violent crime and disorder often more than doubles on days when Old Firm matches are played.

During the summit, an eight-point action plan was agreed.

The measures included supporting the introduction of tough new measures to reduce alcohol consumption before and after games and supporting the expansion of community partnerships between the Old Firm clubs.

An extension of Football Banning Orders was agreed which would see them include those who commit domestic abuse, to address the surge in incidents that occur after matches.

The groups will also look into the scheduling of fixtures with the aim of minimising damage and disruption to communities, as well as strengthening the community work done by clubs, authorities and police to address sectarianism and racism.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House, Rangers chief executive Martin Bain and Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell were all at the meeting at Hampden Park today.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan, SFL chief executive David Longmuir, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster and chief medical officer Harry Burns were also there.

MacAskill said the meeting was "extremely productive".

He said: "Last week's summit provided an opportunity for us all to come together to discuss the way forward. Clearly change won't happen overnight, but there was agreement on all sides to look at what more can be done and a recognition that we all have a responsibility.

"It was encouraging to see so many positive proposals coming out of the summit but it is vital that we turn words into action.

"That is what this group is all about and this was an extremely productive first meeting. All parties involved have now set out a plan of action to drive forward work to develop these proposals and the Group will report back with recommendations before the start of the new season."