AN 18-year-old Raith Rovers fan was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy last night after a "horrible" attack by a group of thugs outside East End Park.

A video was posted online showing a man on the ground being punched and kicked by a mob and Dunfermline Athletic have promised to ban any supporter who was involved.

Inspector Neil McGurk, from Police Scotland, said: “We are carrying out enquiries after an 18-year-old man was assaulted in Dunfermline around 5.30pm on Tuesday, January 2 following the Dunfermline Athletic v Raith Rovers football fixture.

“He was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.

Dunfermline Press: A still from the video circulating online. Police said an 18-year-old man was taken to Victoria Hospital after being attacked after the Dunfermline v Raith match.A still from the video circulating online. Police said an 18-year-old man was taken to Victoria Hospital after being attacked after the Dunfermline v Raith match. (Image: Social media)

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101.

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will work with both football clubs to identify those responsible."

The assault took place after the Fife derby which saw the Pars lose 2-1 to Raith in an SPFL Championship match.

A club statement said: "Dunfermline Athletic are aware of a video circulating on social media last night.

"The club condemns all forms of violence in the strongest possible way and we will support the authorities in identifying any individuals involved.

"We will work with Raith Rovers to ensure that the supporter involved receives the support they need.

"Any supporter found to have taken part in this horrible act will be banned from KDM Group East End Park."

 

Pars player Chris Hamilton posted: "Not what our club's about, disappointing to see. Hope the boy is ok."

And a Dunfermline supporter added: "As a Pars fan I'm disgusted to see this.

"The board needs to take action and hand out some banning orders.

"They don't represent the good majority of us at Dunfermline Athletic. I hope the victim in the video here is doing OK."

And another statement on Facebook said: "Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters' Club (DADSC) stands with the decent fans of Dunfermline Athletic, Raith Rovers and every other football club in totally condemning the assault on the young Raith fan witnessed on social media.

"There can be no excuse for the behaviour shown.

"DADSC hopes the young Raith fan has come to no lasting harm and will feel able to continue to support his club in future."

Raith Rovers posted last night: "We are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters being assaulted after today’s match.

"We have contacted the supporter to check on their well-being and to see how we can provide support in any way possible.

"The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with Dunfermline Athletic to identify the offenders."

And Raith goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski wrote: "This is not what football is about, people like this ruin what football truly means.

"This boy is normally the supporter but he is the one who needs support from Raith and everyone.

"I hope the people involved face the consequences of these actions and I hope this boy is safe."