Dunfermline Athletic Football Club could be hit with a hefty fine, after it emerged that a full cup of hot tea was thrown at a linesman at its last home game.
Police have met representatives of the Fife club to discuss the behaviour of supporters in light of the incident against Ayr United on Saturday.
A club spokesperson described the actions of the supporter in question as “not only totally irresponsible but highly dangerous” and urged fans to help root out the troublemakers.
It came just weeks after similar problems arose with fans at their League Cup win over Dundee at East End Park.
Officials from the SPFL are also investigating what happened during the Pars’ 2-0 defeat to Ayr.
A supporter in the North West Stand allegedly threw the hot beverage in the direction of assistant referee William Wilson moments after the visitors scored their second goal.
The club has now been asked to write to the SPFL with its comments on the matter and outline what remedial action it intends to take.
So soon after two arrests were made when fans spilled on to the pitch in the League Cup win over Dundee on August 25, the SPFL is believed to be considering a financial penalty.
It is something the Pars can hardly afford, after they narrowly avoided liquidation in 2013.
The club spokesperson said: “The board of DAFC are extremely disappointed that we should need to release a statement regarding the conduct of supporters at home matches, hard on the heels of a previous notification after the match with Dundee.
“However, we fully recognise that it is a very small number of supporters who appear to be misbehaving, but their actions are now sullying the good name of our community club.
“Football is a passionate game and emotions can sometimes run high, but there can be no excuse for entering the trackside or field of play, throwing any form of missile or overly aggressive behaviour. These actions will not be tolerated at East End Park.
“This matter may well have serious repercussions for our club and we may be fined as a result, something we can frankly ill afford, as we face our third season in League One.”
Club officials have worked closely with Police Scotland over the last few months to try and manage the risk of disorder at home matches without the need for a police presence.
The club suggested yesterday that Saturday’s incident has once more “undermined” that relationship.
“We would ask for the cooperation and support of the majority of our other supporters to identify anyone who is undermining the credibility and good name of our club, by misbehaving or not complying with our ground regulations, to a match-day steward or by writing to our club separately.”
An SPFL source told The Courier the club is co-operating with the SPFL after an investigation into the incident but would not comment further.
csmith@thecourier.co.uk
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