SEVERAL large Union Bears banners were unfurled in the Rangers end at Celtic Park today following a dispute between the clubs that ended with the ultras group being banned from the stadium.

Rangers initially rejected Celtic’s conditions that they could not distribute tickets to the group for today’s Premiership clash and submitted a complaint to the Scottish Professional Football League.

They ultimately accepted their allocation of around 2,500 tickets after an SPFL board subcommittee refused to interfere with Celtic’s security measure.

The Union Bears called for all Rangers fans to wear black at Parkhead and many of the travelling fans were in the colour associated with the ultras groups.

A large Union Bears banner was unfurled before kick-off and a flag bearing the group’s insignia was flown.

Celtic’s decision followed major disorder following their Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox on March 8.

More than 100 Rangers fans, many from the section housing the Union Bears, charged towards the Broomloan Stand after visiting supporters spilled on to the pitch to celebrate and Celtic players and staff were caught up in the pitch invasion.

Police made five further arrests in relation to the trouble this week, to take the total number to 26.

Celtic’s major ultras group, the Green Brigade, have only recently been allowed back into their own stadium after a ban that lasted about five months, following an incident involving stewards and police at a game against Falkirk.

Rangers branded Celtic’s decision to exclude the Union Bears as a “concerning precedent” and claimed it cut across the “spirit of the competition.”

The Hoops cut the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts to one point with a 3-1 comeback win over rivals Rangers today.

The result, coupled with Hearts’ draw at Motherwell on Saturday night, leaves Celtic knowing that even a point at Fir Park will ensure they have the chance to beat Hearts to the title when the two teams meet on Sunday.