Fan Charged After Match at Dunfermline

A football fan has been arrested and charged with a racially aggravated breach of the peace.

The 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with an alleged incident on Saturday at East End Park - the ground of Dunfermline Athletic FC, who were playing Hibs in an SPL tie

The arrest was made following an intelligence-led anti-racism operation involving plain-clothed police officers in the crowd.

The man is due to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Sergeant Andy Smith of Fife police said: ``Racist abuse of players, or any person for that matter, is totally unacceptable and we will do all we can to root out the very small minority of fans who act in this despicable way.

``The operation will continue at forthcoming home games and this arrest should act as a warning and deterrent to others.''

The man has been banned from the ground in the meantime, and if convicted, the club will consider further action - including a lifetime ban.

Dunfermline Athletic chairman John Yorkston said: ``We are a family-friendly football club and there is no place for anyone at Dunfermline who conducts themselves in a racially motivated way; the club's position on this is very clear - anyone who is found guilty of racially abusing players or other fans will face being banned from the club for life.``