KEN LOACH - LOACH BLASTS 'MISCHIEF-MAKERS'

British movie director KEN LOACH has slammed an Islamic leader who's voiced concern over his new film about interracial love - without having seen it.

The MY NAME IS JOE film-maker is upset religious leaders are condemning his latest movie, AE FOND KISS, before they've even watched it.

The film is about a love affair between a Catholic and a Muslim in Glasgow, Scotland, and the trouble their romance causes.

BASHIR MANN, a spokesman for the MUSLIM COUNCIL OF BRITAIN, says, "I haven't seen the film but if it presents a negative image it could increase bigotry.

"Nowadays, plenty of Muslims, Christians and Jews all marry on both sides, there's no problem for 95 per cent of marriages across the divide.

"I hope the film portrays a positive picture because it's not such a big deal now, everyone realises we must all live together."

But Loach, 67, blasts, "I think this is a kind of wilful mischief-making by people who haven't seen the film.

"Perhaps they should wait to see it and then make their minds up before they open their mouths.

"There is the possibility of prejudice in Scotland just as there is anywhere else but I hope people will watch it before voicing any opinion."