POLICE have appealed for witnesses after two men were injured by thrown bottles at the recent Beith v Kilwinning Rangers cup tie.

As revealed by the Herald last week, two Kilwinning fans were hurt as bottles were thrown from the crowd at the end of the match, which saw favourites Beith dumped out of the third round of the Junior Cup.

A police spokesman said this week: “There were two separate incidents following the game between 3.30pm and 3.45pm.

A 20-year-old man was attacked by another male who struck him with a bottle whilst leaving the ground after the game at Robert Burns Court, Beith and a 23-year-old male was knocked unconscious by a bottle thrown into the crowd, also whilst leaving the ground in Reform Street, Beith.

“There was a crowd of approximately 250-300 people, many of whom may have witnessed either of these incidents.

“Anyone who can assist in identifying the perpetrators or has any information regarding the incidents please contact Sergeant Liam Dickson at Kilbirnie Police Office on the non emergency number 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.” Last week, Beith secretary Robert McCarter said: “If anyone is found guilty, we will definitely consider a lifetime ban.

“We know there are rivalries locally and at the match, there was singing and banter.

"But I was amazed when I found out it had escalated outside the ground.”