Domestic violence surges after Old Firm games, police have revealed.

A senior officer said reports of such abuse jumped by 88% following Sunday's cup final clash between Celtic and Rangers.

Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson, of Strathclyde Police, said the force arrested more than 550 people on the day of the match - all of whom were drunk.

Officers also had to contend with a rise in the number of attempted murders, assaults, and breaches of the peace.

And such incidents have peaked during the last three Old Firm showdowns, Mr Neilson revealed.

He said alcohol was fuelling the huge increase in violence following the games.

"This is the real picture of alcohol-fuelled violence when there is a game of football on - and there is absolutely no excuse for this level of violence," he said.

"I want people to know this is happening across the whole of Strathclyde - and that something has to be done."

Following the Co-operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday, domestic violence rose by 88% to 231 cases.

There were also four attempted murders; a total of 160 assaults and 118 breaches of the peace. After the previous match on December 27, police received reports of 193 cases of domestic violence, 57% above the average of 123. During the Old Firm game on Sunday, February 15, serious and violent crimes more than doubled.

And police were called out to 185 incidents of domestic abuse - a jump of 52% compared to weekends when a match is not being played.

Mr Neilson insisted it was not the fault of the football clubs, the players or the fans - but of those who drink all day and then go and look for trouble.

Rangers and Celtic both said they were working with police to try and put a stop to such behaviour.