Dunfermline Athletic has slammed a number of their own fans following reports of homophobic chanting and “foul” abuse during Saturday’s clash against Dundee United.
The team were beat 3-1 by the Tangerines at East End Park on Saturday, after which the club received a string of letters complaining about “foul, abusive, threatening and intimidating language” being directed towards both children and adults.
Dunfermline Athletic FC chairman Ross McArthur has issued a statement condemning the behaviour – which took place during the first half of the match.
He warned anyone caught acting in this way will be subject to a banning order by the club and even “criminal charges”.
He also called on fans to alert match stewards to any such behaviour despite how “intimidating” it may be to do during a match.
In a lengthy statement issued this morning Mr McArthur said: “It is important that I firstly take this opportunity to thank our fantastic fans yet again for their wonderful support since the start of the season, and as the manager and captain both recently acknowledged your support is like a 12th man at times.
“The fans have followed the team home and away already this campaign in big numbers, and as a club we are so lucky to have such loyal supporters.
“We have had a really positive start to the season as a club, and for me personally it is deeply disappointing to have to mention once again unacceptable behaviour, which continues to create not only an unnecessary distraction, for everyone connected to our club, but portrays our community club so negatively.
“The vast majority of our fans are an absolute credit to our club, but a very small minority of supporters have once again sullied the good name of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, at Saturday’s match against Dundee United.
“As a consequence, we have received numerous letters of complaints from our own fans broadly relating to two particular issues: foul, abusive, threatening and intimidating language (towards other adults and children), and homophobic chants during the first half of Saturday’s match.”
He adds he has to “lead and act by example” and that the actions “cannot be condoned at East End Park”.
Mr McArthur said: “Threatening and abusive behaviour to anyone, particularly children, is simply out of order and discriminatory chanting, of any kind, is not acceptable in today’s society.
“In 2017, this is not “banter” and everyone at our club was deeply saddened to hear of a small minority of our supporters behaving in this way.
“Some people seem to think that once they have entered a football stadium, if gives them the right to act or shout as they please, whereas if they behaved like this out with a football stadium they are well aware of the consequences.
“Dunfermline Athletic take these issues very seriously, and any individuals caught acting in this manner will be issued with banning orders, and could likely face further criminal charges.
“It states clearly in our club’s ground regulations and unacceptable conduct policy that this behaviour is not acceptable and serious action will be taken against any individuals who breach these.
“We are committed to creating a passionate, inclusive and welcoming environment at East End Park, in which everyone can enjoy the match day experience. However, everyone has to act within the same rules which are laid down by law.
“I would remind our supporters to notify their nearest steward, if any incident arises, so that we can act at the time,as it is sometimes very difficult to act after the event.
“To the huge majority of our supporter base, thank you for your continued support of our club, it is very much appreciated.”
