Falkirk issue apology after fans throw false eyeballs at one-eyed Dunfermline player
Scottish Championship side Falkirk have been forced to issue an apology after supporters threw fake eyeballs at a one-eyed Dunfermline player on Tuesday night.
Falkirk lost 2-0 and to make matters worse, some of travelling fans taunted Pars midfielder Dean Shiels, who lost his eye aged eight.
The 32-year-old Northern Ireland international did not respond to having the eyeballs thrown at him but Falkirk could now face disciplinary action.
— Falkirk FC (@falkirkbairns) January 2, 2018
Bairns players Joe McKee and Kevin O’Hara remain suspended after being found guilty of taunting the midfielder in October over the loss of an eye when Shiels was sent off for fouling McKee in October.
A club statement said: “Falkirk FC apologises unreservedly for the abhorrent behaviour of a small number of individuals.
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“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 with a sporting context with rivalries at play is no excuse.
“This needs to stop now. We will look to action against anyone identified from today’s game and will not allow this disgraceful behaviour to be repeated.”
The two teams have a bitter local rivalry. When they met again following Shiels’ red card, Dunfermline had two men sent off – Kallum Higginbotham after a challenge on McKee, who had yet to have his case heard, and Declan McManus for pushing Aaron Muirhead after the defender had fouled Shiels.
There were five bookings on Tuesday and Pars boss Allan Johnston said of the Shiels incident: “You never like to hear stuff like that.
“It’s great discipline he showed. The whole team showed that.
He has had a lot to deal with but I think the whole club have
“I think we have dealt with it professionally, but you just have to move on.”
Johnston was delighted his side gained revenge following the chants and missiles at East End Park.
“That’s why it was important to get the win as well, when stuff like that is going on in the background,” he added.
“It’s unacceptable in this day and age.
“The most important thing was getting the win, especially against Falkirk when you see the rivalry.”
