THE warning from Dunfermline Athletic that they could close part of their stadium due to crowd behaviour is not the first that they have issued.

In a statement issued to season ticket holders in the North West Stand, following incidents during the recent derby win over Raith Rovers, Pars chiefs have said that that area of the ground may have to be closed "for some competitive matches" due to objects being thrown.

The club stated that the football authorities have put them on their "final warning around this topic", whilst they have "also been challenged by both the Police and the SPFL on whether we are doing enough" to prevent the setting off of pyrotechnics.

READ MORE: Final warning: Pars may close stand over "unacceptable" behaviour

Missiles thrown

During the 2022/23 season, which saw Athletic win the League One title, the club issued season-long bans to some supporters over missiles thrown during a match with Queen of the South.

Pyrotechnics

In addition, they said that the use of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs inside the stadium, and any fan entering the field of play, "not only raises concerns from police and other authorities, but also increases risks of further action being taken against the club".

'Disrepute'

Later in the campaign, following a memorable 2-0 win over Falkirk, in front of over 9,000 fans, which put the Pars firmly on course to win the league, Dunfermline closed the North West Stand for their next home game to non season-ticket holders.

 

Dunfermline Press:

At the time, the club said that "a number of actions – noted in the reports by the referee and match delegate – had been highlighted, bringing the club in to disrepute", which saw them take the decision to not sell match day tickets for that section of the stadium.

Three charged

Earlier this season, a man and two teenagers were charged with being in possession of pyrotechnics following Dunfermline's clash with Falkirk last month, with Inspector Neil McGurk, of Police Scotland, emphasising: "Taking pyrotechnics into a sporting stadium is a criminal offence.

"I'd ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children and elderly.

"We will continue to work in partnership with football clubs to prevent fans from taking pyrotechnics into the grounds and to pursue those who put other fans' safety at risk."

Ahead of matches taking place at KDM Group East End Park, the club state that "the use of pyrotechnics is dangerous and illegal" adding: "Police Scotland will be in attendance at the match and anyone found in possession of a pyrotechnic device will be liable to be arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

"Any supporter identified as above, or who engages in unacceptable behaviour, may be banned from attending matches by the club."