Former Dundee keeper Rab Douglas used his self-defence skills to fend off pitch-invading ‘fans’ in Forfar’s title- boosting win at Station Park on Saturday.
Douglas was left stunned as a group of apparent Airdrieonians fans took to his goalmouth at the end of the Loons’ 2-0 win, which saw them overtake Stranraer at the top of League One.
The former Dens man insists he was right to stick up for himself against the intruders.
Police Scotland and the SFA have launched a probe into the flashpoint.
Douglas took to Twitter on Saturday night to condemn the intruders, claiming they spat on him.
“Banter is what football is all about. I normally have a good craic with the opposition fans wherever I go Dunfermline, Ayr or anywhere else.
Banter is great at football , don't ever spit at me or run on the pitch please , thank you ? great win troops ?⚽️
— Robert Douglas (@prokitscotland) April 11, 2015
“I love being close to the fans but tell them not to come into my box. That’s when you cross the line,” he said. “Stay out of my area, or if you are brave enough to come on then you have to accept what you get.”
Douglas was a virtual bystander as Forfar eased to a crucial win.
Martyn Fotheringham’s clever chip sent them on the road to victory on 30 minutes, before Michael Dunlop’s late header clinched the three points.
Forfar are now just 270 minutes away from an incredible title success, with Douglas hoping to celebrate his 43rd birthday in style.