POLICE are set to crack down on rogue streets traders prior to this weekend's SPL clash between Celtic and Hamilton Accies.

Officers are teaming up with Trading Standards and SPL Brand Protection to clamp down on traders in a bid to make sure they have a valid street licence.

Sellers who follow the Parkhead side to away matches will be the focus for cops eager to snare unlicensed stalls flogging lucrative counterfeit merchandise.

The operation was also launched to inform traders usually based at both Celtic Park or Ibrox that they need a separate permit when travelling to Lanarkshire.

Officers in South Lanarkshire unveiled their plans ahead of Sunday's league match at Hamilton's New Douglas Park ground.

The clamp down will see legislation enforced to protect copyright and trademarks and could see traders reported under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Last night Chief Superintendent Tim Love said: "Buying merchandise such as t-shirts at a football match is commonplace but most people may not realise they could be buying fakes.

"Previous intelligence has highlighted a link between counterfeit goods and serious and organised crime.

"By working together we can ensure that current legislation regarding copyright is rigorously enforced."

South Lanarkshire Council's Trading Standards Manager, Peter Sherry, explained the joint action plan was part of a commitment to tackling copyright and trademark crime.

He said: "We are working closely with Strathclyde Police and the Trade Mark proprietors to ensure that consumers and legitimate business do not suffer as a result of illegal street trading."

Celtic Football Club last night welcomed the clamp down and said they regularly took action to protect their brand.

A spokeswoman added: "Celtic are delighted to be working alongside South Lanarkshire Council at New Douglas Park this Sunday.

"Celtic takes its intellectual property rights extremely seriously and regularly takes action to enforce its trademarks.

"The sale of counterfeit Celtic merchandise can not only result in lost revenue for the club, but the quality of products available to our supporters is usually of a sub-standard quality.

"We are committed to tackling the crime of counterfeiting and thus protecting our supporters."

Celtic estimate counterfeiters across Britain and Europe cost the club between £1million and £3million every year.

While across the city at rivals Rangers, merchandise valued at £4.5million is seized from ferry ports, market stalls and factories every year.

Brand protection units exist at both clubs, their role to protect the rights and interests of the club in relation to their "intellectual property".

Club names, crests and logos such as "The Gers", "Follow Follow" and "The Bhoys" are trademarked.

Rangers have trademarks in over 70 countries throughout the world, Celtic are the owners of a portfolio of over 25 registered trademarks.

Commercial reasons lie behind the Old Firm's robust approach - trademarks generate sponsorship and cash through licensing.

Counterfeiting also damages the clubs reputation and reduces their market value.