Celtic have banned three fans over the use of pyrotechnics during their Scottish Cup clash with Stranraer, claiming their actions "caused embarrassment" to the club.

The start of the match at Stair Park was briefly delayed due to objects being thrown onto the playing surface, with players forced to wait in the tunnel.

Tony McGlennan will now review any evidence available to him before deciding how to proceed. Police Scotland also confirmed they have made four arrests in connection with "anti-social behaviour and sectarian singing".

In an interview with STV, Stranraer chairman Iain Dougan revealed he had received an apology from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

In a statement Celtic said: "Yesterday's events have again caused embarrassment to Celtic and our supporters.

"On numerous occasions Celtic has stated its strong opposition to the use of pyrotechnics but regrettably again, a very small number of individuals, within a ticket allocation of 2,500, have damaged the club.

"We should be very clear. Those responsible simply do not care about our club, our reputation or the safety of our fans and we do not want them at our matches. The club will be reviewing its ticket allocation procedures to ensure that this matter is addressed.

"Ensuring the safety of our supporters and staff is always of paramount importance to Celtic Football Club. If such behaviour was to continue, the reality is it would only be a matter of time before serious injury is caused. However, we will not allow safety to be compromised by the actions of a tiny minority.

"We have been inundated again by our supporters following yesterdays events and those fans can rest assured that this issue will be dealt with in the strongest terms. We cannot and will not allow this minority to destroy the magnificent reputation which our fans have earned over many years."

The Scottish FA's rules on unacceptable conduct open up potential sanctions against both clubs, even though the accusations are directed at the behaviour of the Celtic support.

It is unlikely a case would immediately be opened, with the matter not needing to be dealt with under the governing body's fast track system.

The Scottish FA's compliance officer also has the option to write to the clubs involved to seek further evidence or explanation.

Speaking to STV's Grant Russell, Stair Park chief Dougan laid blame at the hands of individuals rather than at the door of the Scottish champions.

He said: "I would definitely be against fines against either ourselves or Celtic because its something they're finding very difficult to eradicate. It definitely wont help the situation; it just means the club is worse off.

"Ultimately if the club is fined then prices go up and the fans that it is nothing to do with have to pay more money.

"We're talking about a few individuals here in a crowd of 4,200 and its a couple of individuals that are doing it.

"He [Lawwell] apologised to Stranraer for this happening and I'm more than happy to take that. I said 'Peter I know you would love to eradicate it as much as anything else.

"I accepted his apology no problem but in my opinion it wasn't needed for Celtic to give it to us because I know it is not their fault."

Police Scotland said it "is conducting a post-match investigation into complaints of anti-social behaviour and sectarian singing."

A statement added: "Prior to and during the match a total of four supporters were arrested for a number of football related and public order offences. Two were arrested in the ground and two were arrested out with the ground.

"The four persons arrested were all men aged 44, 25 and two aged 23. The post-match investigation will focus on the use of pyrotechnic devices, smoke bombs and fire crackers which were set off within the terraces as well as being thrown onto the field of play.

"Police will also be investigating outbreaks of sectarian singing and chanting which is reported to have taken place."