TWO police officers were injured and a man was arrested after fighting between Raith and Dunfermline fans on Saturday.

There was trouble before the Fife derby as a "large group of men" clashed in the centre of Kirkcaldy and during the match pyrotechnics were thrown from both ends of the Stark's Park stadium.

Images have emerged of vandalism and damage to toilets and seats in the away end and if that is confirmed Dunfermline Athletic are likely to be billed for the clean-up and repairs.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.30pm on Saturday March 9, police were called to a report of a disturbance involving a large group of men on Links Street, Kirkcaldy.

Dunfermline Press: Two police officers were injured and a man was arrested after fighting between rivals fans before the Raith v Dunfermline match on Saturday. Two police officers were injured and a man was arrested after fighting between rivals fans before the Raith v Dunfermline match on Saturday. (Image: Police Scotland)

“Officers attended and a 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

“Two officers were injured during the disturbance however did not require hospital treatment and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace individuals involved.”

At the match, which Dunfermline lost 2-0, there were bangers thrown from the away end and, after Raith's second goal a flare was thrown from the home end.

The stadium announcer was quick to tell fans 'Don't be an idiot and throw flares'.

Rovers have a plastic pitch and pyrotechnics can burn the surface, with the club having to pay for repairs due to their own fan's stupidity.

The Kirkcaldy club previously threatened to ban their supporters after a flare was thrown and hit a group of Raith fans during the Scottish Cup match at Dunfermline's ground in November. 

There was also trouble after the New Year game between the Championship rivals with an 18-year-old Rovers fan attacked by a group of thugs outside East End Park on January 2.

Approached by the Press this week, Raith did not want to make any comment about the trouble on Saturday.

For their part, Dunfermline did not mention any of the incidents but reiterated the pre-match advice they had given to supporters.

It said: "The club would also like to remind supporters that pyrotechnic devices are not allowed inside any Scottish football club stadium.

"These devices are illegal and can cause harm to those around, along with damage to clothing and stadium infrastructure.

"Any supporter identified in possession of a pyrotechnic will be issued with a club ban and subject to further punishments from Police Scotland."

Dunfermline Press: A flare set off at a Scottish football match as police look on. A flare set off at a Scottish football match as police look on. (Image: SNS)

Pyrotechnics have been a growing problem at Dunfermline matches - and games across Scotland - and last month a 17-year-old from the city was in court after admitting carrying a smoke bomb ahead of a match against Raith in July 2023.

Also last month a Rosyth teenager was charged with throwing a flare onto the pitch during a game against Morton in November 2023. 

This week Hibs took a stand against what they termed "abhorrent behaviour and chanting" from some fans.

In a statement titled "enough is enough" they cited unacceptable conduct - including sectarianism, pyrotechnics and objects being thrown at players - for their decision to reduce the ticket allocations for away fans.

The Edinburgh club said their own fans weren't blameless either and added: "Hibernian FC now implores other clubs to act in a similar fashion and the governing bodies to take serious consideration into the issues to ensure Scottish football is safe and welcoming for all."