Two officers hurt as rival fans brawl ahead of Fife derby
One man arrested after the battle between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline supporters
Two officers were hurt as rival football fans battled in Fife yesterday.
The policemen were assaulted as they tried to keep Raith Rovers and Dunfermline supporters apart in Kirkcaldy's Links Street half an hour before the derby match at Starks Park.
Shocking footage online shows dozens of people, many with their faces covered, involved in the mass disturbance.
More than 30 people can be seen fighting outside a row of houses. Several men with balaclavas on can be seen running at officers who were attempting to control the crowds.
One man picks up a huge plank from a garden and lobs it into the crowd. A number of uniformed officers can be seen with their batons extended hitting men involved in the brawl in an effort to disperse the thugs.
24-year-old man arrested
Only one arrest was made – a 24-year-old man’s due in court at a later date.
It comes after six teenagers were arrested for assaulting a Raith fan in January.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.30pm on Saturday, 9 March, 2024, police were called to a report of a disturbance involving a large group of men in Links Street, Kirkcaldy.
“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.”