Falkirk have apologised for the "abhorrent behaviour" of their fans who threw fake eyeballs at Dunfermline's Dean Shiels during yesterday's match. 

It was the first meeting between the sides since Kevin O'Hara and Joe McKee were banned for taunting the Pars midfielder about the loss of an eye.

Both Falkirk players were unavailable to play but there was a poisonous atmosphere in the away section with Shiels booed, chants sang about him and the fake eyeballs thrown onto the pitch.

A statement from Falkirk said: "Falkirk FC apologises unreservedly to Dean Shiels and Dunfermline Athletic FC for the abhorrent behaviour of a small number of individuals at this afternoon’s Ladbrokes Championship match.

"The club wholeheartedly condemns the abuse witnessed towards Dean Shiels in the strongest terms and will be working closely with Dunfermline Athletic FC to identify those responsible.

"Abuse towards anyone with a disability is simply unacceptable and the fact this took place within a sporting context with rivalries at play is no excuse. This needs to stop now.

"Disability Awareness Training is already being delivered to all staff and players at Falkirk FC and we take our commitment to equality seriously.

"We will look to take action against anyone identified from today’s game and will not allow this disgraceful behaviour to be repeated."

Dunfermline won the match 2-0 and, informed about the eyeballs incident, boss Allan Johnston said: "It's unacceptable. Dean has had a lot to deal with but I think the whole club has. We've dealt with it professionally and we've just got to move on.

"It's poor, you never like to hear stuff like that, but I thought Dean, and the team, showed great discipline."

Shiels had his right eye removed in 2006 following a domestic accident when he was a child.