Celtic and Rangers supporters have been urged to be respectful ahead of this Sunday's Old Firm showdown after 'hate incidents' connected to recent fixtures.
Police in North Ayrshire have teamed up with local church leaders, Irvine Celtic Club and Irvine Orange Hall to appeal to communities on both sides to behave appropriately on Sunday when the Light Blues host the Hoops in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup (kick-off 3pm).
Last month, vile sectarian graffiti appeared on the Orange Hall in Irvine ahead of the derby between the two Glasgow clubs on Sunday, March 21.
It mocked victims of the Ibrox disaster, just months after the 50th anniversary of the tragedy in which 66 supporters were killed, and "IRA" was sprayed on the walls of the hall.
Today, members of the same Orange Hall and Irvine Celtic Club asked for residents to 'demonstrate respect and behave appropriately'.
Police have told how recent powderkeg clashes between Rangers and Celtic have led to anti-social behaviour, minor crimes, hate incidents and vandalisms being reported in North Ayrshire.
Officers will increase patrols on Sunday as they urged fans to continue to stick to Covid guidelines.
Area Commander for North Ayrshire, Chief Inspector Alan Paterson, said: “We would appeal to all to behave responsibly.
“We recognise that only a small minority of people have caused issues, however, the impact of their actions on the wider community can be significant.”
“On Sunday afternoon, there will be additional patrols in North Ayrshire. We would ask that everyone behaves courteously, stays safe, continues to comply with Covid guidelines and enjoy the game.”
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