Police mounted a major operation on Saturday as nearly 7,000 fans descended on East End Park for the Fife derby – and The Courier was given exclusive access.
More than 40 officers – including specialists trained in crowd control – were deployed as Dunfermline Athletic took on Raith Rovers.
Fixtures between the sides in recent years have been marred by violent clashes between rival gangs, resulting in numerous arrests and at least three officers being injured.
Chief Inspector Chris Dow was the match commander for Saturday’s Championship game.
Briefing his senior officers ahead of the police operation, he was unequivocal in his view that any flashpoints between rival sets of fans would be “robustly and swiftly dealt with” this time around.
Much of the recent disorder has involved fans aged 12-16 years old.
Many dress in similar black clothing while a significant number don face masks or balaclavas to hide their identity – something officers want to discourage.
Cops were also told to be on the lookout for people letting off or trying to conceal pyrotechnic flares.
Trouble at recent Fife derby clashes
A particular concern was potential retribution by Raith fans following the vicious attack by Dunfermline hooligans on a lone teenager following a match in January 2024.
Two men were sentenced just last month for the sickening attack.
Meanwhile, in 2023, rival hooligans fought running street battles before the game in Kirkcaldy.
The following season, fan groups clashed once more in Kirkcaldy, which resulted in two police officers being injured.
There was more trouble involving Pars fans in December when a police officer was assaulted as fans clashed before the Dunfermline versus Falkirk game at East End Park.
Along with a strategy of providing high visibility police patrols in Dunfermline city centre ahead of Saturday’s match, intelligence officers – known as spotters – were on the lookout for known hooligans and previous offenders.
After relaying the briefing’s key points to officers gathered at Dunfermline police station, Inspector Carley Mitchell was quick to get teams deployed just after 11am.
He said: “Today is about being able to act quickly and effectively to whatever develops within the two sets of supporters at either end of the city.
“It’s a fluid and ever-changing situation.
“Quick deployment officers where needed, as well as engaging with fan groups, is the key to keeping any potential opportunities for disorder to a minimum.”
Early intelligence from spotters within Sergeant Simon Large’s home deployment identified that a group of about 15 fans – who were well-known to police – had congregated at a city centre pub.
Intel also suggested a group of up to 300 Pars fans planned to march to the ground ahead of kick-off.
Acting on that information, Insp Mitchell organised a number of police patrols to monitor the gatherings.
A plan was also devised for police vehicles to chaperone the march once it headed off at around 2pm.
Simultaneously, reporters were coming in that about 50 young Raith fans arriving by train had been refused entry to a pub where away fans were gathering.
The concern for potential disorder intensified as the group dispersed on foot into a nearby housing estate.
Several vanloads of officers, under the supervision of Sergeant Paul Stather, were dispatched to monitor the group.
Officers were deployed and it was agreed to return the youngsters – aged between 12 and 15 – to the pub car park to join a 200-strong march of Rovers fans.
Shortly after 2pm, the group – including the boisterous but largely compliant youngsters – was escorted along Halbeath Road without incident.
It had been a successful pre-match operation for police with their planning helping to deter any trouble before kick-off.
It was a successful day too for the Pars, who ran out 3-1 winners.
However, despite their pre-match efforts, police were still kept busy during the game with several teenagers arrested for offences involving pyrotechnics and an assault on an officer.
Boys aged 13 and 16 charged after Fife derby
A coin was also reportedly thrown at Rovers star Dylan Easton after his opening goal.
Ch Insp Dow said: “We worked closely with a range of partners, including both clubs, to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption.
“A 13-year-old male youth was arrested and charged in connection with police assault and possession of pyrotechnics.
“A 16-year-old male youth was arrested and charged, and two male youths, both aged 13, were charged, all in connection with pyrotechnics offences.
“Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities.
“I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day.”
Police Scotland has also confirmed it is investigating the coin incident.
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