Scottish football fans are being warned they will be severely punished if they throw coins or let-off flares at matches in a police crackdown following a spate of recent incidents.

Assistant referee Calum Spence, Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon and Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos have all had coins thrown at them in recent weeks.

Now police have issued a stark warning ahead of this weekend's fixtures and have called on supporters to report their fellow fans if they suspect they are about to launch a weapon.

Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty, Greater Glasgow Police Divisional Commander, said: "This kind of behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

Read more: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to 'great dignity' of Neil Lennon after attack

"The vast majority of fans who attend football matches in Scotland are genuine fans, there to enjoy the game and the entertainment it provides, but it is clear a small minority of people acting inappropriately can have a big impact and this will not be tolerated, by police, or the clubs.

"We encourage any fans who witness anti-social or threatening behaviour, or someone intending to throw a missile, or indeed throwing one, to report it as soon as possible to a steward, to police in the stadium, or to their club's supporters' association, and it will be investigated.

"Matches are far safer now than they have been in the past but we welcome the help of supporters and clubs to eradicate the sort of behaviour we have witnessed recently.

"Robust search procedures are in place at football stadia to minimise the risk of prohibited items entering grounds, and officers and staff make use of CCTV as well as having officers deployed around and inside grounds to monitor fan behaviour.

"Fans should make no mistake - if they are observed throwing a missile, they will be arrested. If they are caught with pyrotechnics, they will be arrested."

Read more: St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick says coin-throwing is societal problem

It comes as former match official Steven Conroy said referees now feel "apprehensive" at top-flight games for fear of being struck with a coin thrown from the crowd.

He said: "Why should a 51-year-old man feel apprehensive going to his work? It's just not right," said Conroy.

"They certainly feel apprehensive when they're going to games wondering and worrying if they're going to be the next one that gets their head split open with coins.

"During the games themselves you're concentrating so much that it doesn't come into your mind - but it does before and after."