Tuesday 2 January 2018 22:39, UK
Falkirk have apologised and vowed to take action after some of their fans threw fake eyeballs towards Dunfermline's Dean Shiels during Tuesday's Scottish Championship game.
Shiels was already the centre of attention with Falkirk still missing the suspended Joe McKee (four games) and Kevin O'Hara (eight games) after the pair were banned by the Scottish Football Association for taunting the 32-year-old in a match in October over the loss of an eye.
But the former Rangers and Hibernian player had to deal with chants from visiting fans as well as missiles as his team won 2-0 in front of 7,140 fans.
On Tuesday evening, Falkirk issued a statement condemning the actions of some of their supporters.
"Falkirk FC apologises unreservedly to Dean Shiels and Dunfermline Athletic FC for the abhorrent behaviour of a small number of individuals at this afternoon's Ladbrokes Championship match.
"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.
"We will look to take action against anyone identified from today's game and will not allow this disgraceful behaviour to be repeated."
Shiels underwent surgery in 2006 after losing sight in one eye in a domestic accident when he was eight years old.
Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston earlier said on the club's official website: "You never like to hear stuff like that. It's poor. And that's why guys like Dean Shiels - it's great discipline he showed. The whole team showed that.
"That's why it was important to get the win as well, when stuff like that is going on in the background.
"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. It's unacceptable in this day and age.
"The most important thing was getting the win, especially against Falkirk when you see the rivalry."
