FESTIVE football means local derbies – and grudge matches.
Already over the past week the Scottish game has witnessed some cracking clashes between rivals – but some ill feeling between supporters too.
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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin called out the behaviour of Aberdeen fans who pelted him with missiles including a vodka bottle in one of the final fixtures of the year.
Days earlier the Edinburgh derby saw a fan arrested and accused of an alleged racial slur towards the Hibs bench at Hearts’ Tynecastle ground on Boxing Day.
And 24 hours later there were wild scenes in Fife as Falkirk and Dunfermline clashed at East End Park.
Five arrests were made following the disorder in and around the stadium.
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Social media footage showed rival factions throwing FLARES outside the ground – while inside, a section of the away support chanted through a minute’s applause dedicated to Pars great Alex Edwards.
Missiles were also allegedly thrown onto the park – including a CRUTCH – and seats damaged at both ends of the ground in the powderkeg fixture, which finished 3-3 live on BBC Scotland.
Now, Falkirk have addressed their fans’ behaviour and warned they have ‘harmed’ the club at the top of the Championship.
The Bairns hit out at the pyro louts and pledged to ‘hold individuals accountable’ once they review the shock scenes.
A club statement said: “Thank you to the near-3000 Bairns who backed the club relentlessly during an action-packed game at East End Park on Friday.
“However, those who threw flares or other objects onto the pitch and broke seats have harmed our club.
“The club is bound by the SPFL’s unacceptable conduct rules which provide for an appropriate response to disorderly conduct, the definition of which includes possession and discharge of pyrotechnic devices, throwing of objects, and pitch incursion.
“Whatever your views on pyrotechnics, the law is black-and-white that they are currently forbidden.
“As a fan-owned club, we will always fight for fair treatment for our fans and a better matchday experience. We will however hold individuals accountable for their actions where evidence of wrongdoing exists.
“We will review the matchday delegate’s report and work with the relevant authorities to take any and all necessary action.
“We have contacted DAFC to pass on the club’s condolences to Alex Edwards’ family along with our regrets that some fans undermined the pre-match tribute.
“We would ask all Falkirk supporters to show the same respect we would expect for one of our own under similar circumstances.
“Please Bairns, do your club proud. You’ve been the 12th man through this extraordinary journey and your backing will be vital for the remainder of the season.”
Five arrests were made following disorder at the grudge match between the sides separated by the River Forth and just 22 miles by road.
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Chief Inspector Kathryn Fairfield said: “Five arrests have been made following disorder at the Dunfermline vs Falkirk football match on Friday, December 27, 2024.
“Incidents of disorder and violence happened during the match and adjacent to the stadium. There was also minor disorder in the city centre.
“The males arrested were aged 16, 18, 20, 21 and 25. Two males aged 14 were charged with possession of pyrotechnics. A 26-year-old man was charged in connection with urinating in the street.
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“Disorder before, during and after a football match is not acceptable. We will continue to work closely with both clubs and the football authorities.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
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