Two charged after Dean Shiels targeted with fake eyeballs
Tuesday 30 January 2018 11:24, UK
Two men have been charged after Dunfermline striker Dean Shield was targeted with fake eyeballs in their game against Falkirk on January 2.
Police Scotland launched an investigation after plastic eyeballs were thrown onto the East End Park pitch aimed towards Shiels, who underwent surgery in 2006 after losing sight in one eye when he was eight years old.
Two men aged 20 and 21 were charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act and will now be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Falkirk issued an apology to Shiels and Dunfermline following the match and urged supporters to stop "unacceptable" behaviour.
A statement read: "Abuse towards anyone with a disability is simply unacceptable and the fact this took place within a sporting context with rivalries at play is no excuse. This needs to stop now."
Following the previous meeting between the two sides, the Challenge Cup match on October 7, Falkirk forward Kevin O'Hara was given an eight-game ban for taunting Shiels.
He was charged with "excessive misconduct" by a Scottish FA tribunal after the incident.
Shiels previously played for Hibernian and Rangers has 14 caps for Northern Ireland.
