Police and church leaders have joined with Irvine's Celtic Club and Orange Hall members to appeal for respect ahead of this weekend's Old Firm Derby.

It's hoped residents can enjoy the game without hatred when Rangers and Celtic meet this Sunday - after recent fixtures led to anti-social behaviour, minor criminality, hate incidents and vandalism being reported across the area.

We reported last month how vile vandals left disgusting anti-Rangers grafitti on Irvine's orange hall mocking victims of the Ibrox disaster, with sickening slogans such as "66 died" and "IRA" spraypainted on the building.

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.”

Rev Neil Urquhart said: "The Shoes Brothers (aka Father Willie and Rev Neil) were happy to be associated with Irvine Police’s move to encourage responsible and respectful behaviour in and around the Old Firm Scottish Cup game on Sunday.

"For the last 11 years we’ve been determined to bulldoze barriers, build bridges and celebrate community. Our annual Advent short films, Christmas singles, weekly Soul Sunday Irvine Beat FM shows regular ‘Shoes Brothers Dance’ Facebook posts combine to leave our town without any doubt that we are the best of pals, despite our differences as Roman Catholic priest and Protestant minister."