Football chiefs appeared to perform a dramatic U-turn on a controversial ban on flags and banners at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Fans had initially been warned not to bring the items to the Boxing Day clash between St Johnstone and Celtic.
In a statement on the Glasgow club’s website, a spokesman claimed that talks with the Perth side and police had led to a change of heart.
Celtic fans were informed they could bring the previously prohibited items to the game.
However, confusion reigned when St Johnstone refused to confirm the announcement, despite repeated attempts by The Courier to contact senior figures at McDiarmid Park.
Flags and banners had been banned from the stadium over fears they would be used to conceal flares.
This decision had been reached following discussions with Celtic and police but caused uproar among fans, with some claiming they would boycott the game.
At 3pm on Monday Celtic posted a statement on their website, saying that all three parties had now overturned the ruling.
The statement said: “We have an excellent relationship with everyone at St Johnstone FC and we thank them and the police for reviewing their initial decision.
“Football is about colour and atmosphere and creating a positive occasion for all, and everything should be done to ensure that such an event can take place.
“However, it is also imperative that the safety and the wellbeing of fans is given paramount importance and in this regard we share the obvious desire of St Johnstone FC and the police that all matches take place in a safe environment.
“We do not need or welcome any form of pyrotechnics at matches and clearly any continued presence of these does nothing for Celtic Football Club or our supporters.
“Celtic has already had discussions with our main supporters’ representatives and we have been assured that our supporters will again back the club in the right manner at McDiarmid Park.”
Police have previously issued a warning to fans, advising that there would be a zero tolerance policy in place for the fixture.
Match commander Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: “The police and both clubs expect everyone to enjoy the occasion in the right way and abide by the law, as well as the ground regulations.
“We will be on hand to assist them where required and, where necessary, to deal effectively with anyone who is involved in disorder or other criminal behaviour.
“Those attending the game, as well as the local community, can rest assured that we will deal effectively with any incidents and put offenders before the courts.”