The Scottish Licensed Trade Association is calling for the Old Firm derby on Hogmanay to be moved to another date, branding the decision "senseless".

The trade body, which represents Scotland's bars and pubs, called into the question the "professional judgement" of those involved in the decision, saying it was 'irresponsible and naive'.

The date of the fixture, which was announced last week, has come in for criticism from the Conservatives and the police union, who called it "incomprehensible".

The SLTA says it now wants to see the decision reversed and the match played on January 2 or 3 so those involved can concentrate on "controlling fans before, during and after this often volatile game".

It also warned that businesses would be affected saying New Year's Eve revellers would avoid Glasgow city centre if the fixture goes ahead.

Chief executive of the SLTA, Paul Waterson, said: "There are the obvious concerns: a far longer period for drinking, emergency services being subjected to extra pressure at an already busy time and hospitality venues stretched - although we are aware of some Glasgow city centre venues already reporting booking cancellations since the announcement.

"This action falls in line with the usual drop in visitors to the city centre on Rangers v Celtic derby days.

"Our pubs and bars will as always have a responsibility of controlling drinking within their premises, but who is going to control unsupervised home drinking and drinking in the street, particularly on a day such as Hogmanay?"

The decision to play the match on Hogmanay was taken by the SPFL after consultation with broadcasters and police.

Last week, Police Scotland defended the decision, saying it was the "best option" having considered other dates.

A police spokesman added: "We are aware of the letter from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

"We have a close working relationship with the licensed trade and as is normal with a high-profile event, divisions will engage with licensed premises and local authorities ahead of the fixture."

The SLTA also warned of a potential rise in the level of domestic abuse by staging the match on December 31.

Mr Waterhouse added: "Have those involved in this decision taken into account the fact that Police Scotland reported that the number of calls concerning domestic abuse cases almost doubled on the day the teams met in their Scottish Cup semi-final match earlier this year?

"Does no one remember Police Scotland's campaign last year during the festive season to reduce the number of domestic incidents during the festive period, a time when domestic violence is at it's highest?

"It would seem not as both issues will now be drawn together by the staging of a Rangers v Celtic game on Hogmanay".

The two clubs will meet prior to that after being drawn together in the semi-final of the League Cup, to be played on October 22/23.

The SPFL declined to comment.