RAITH ROVERS have hit out at their own supporters over ‘antisocial behaviour.’
They also took aim specifically at their ultras section after being hit with a repair bill for damage to their OWN stadium.
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Raith have enjoyed a successful start to the Championship season under Barry Robson.
They currently second with 10 points from their first five matches.
The Kirkcaldy club are only being kept off top spot on goal difference by St Johnstone.
A major highlight of the early part of the season for Raith has no doubt been their derby win over Dunfermline.
Rovers beat their Fife rivals 2-0 at Stark’s Park back on August 22 thanks to goals from Lewis Stevenson and Lewis Vaughan.
However, while things have been positive on the pitch, the club aren’t happy with the behaviour of sections of their fans off of it.
In a strong statement, Raith have hit out at what they call the “antisocial behaviour” of fans both at home and away matches.
The club cited reports of fighting before and after games and warned of instant club bans.
They also hit out at the continued use of pyrotechnics.
Raith said: “We are aware of a recent and concerning rise in antisocial behaviour on match days, both home and away.
“We operate a strict zero tolerance policy towards such behaviour and are working closely with Police Scotland to identify and take action against those involved.
“We have had reports of fighting and disorder on route to games and post-match.
“To be clear, violence of any kind is not condoned and anyone found to be engaging in this, whether inside or outside the ground, risks arrest and will face an immediate club ban.
“We are also aware of repeated incidents of pyrotechnics being used this season.
“Whilst the use inside the stadium has reduced, incidents outside the ground have unfortunately increased.
“As we have repeatedly stated, pyrotechnics are illegal, dangerous, and risk fines and sanctions against the club. They endanger both those using them and innocent people nearby.”
Raith then went on to specifically call out their ‘Ultras Raith’ section.
The club revealed that 36 seats in the section were “broken beyond repair” during the match against Dunfermline.
That result in the club being slapped with a repair bill – which the ultras have since contributed to after a stern telling-off from the club.
The statement continued: “At our recent Fife Derby, 36 seats were broken beyond repair in the Ultras Raith section.
“Damage like this is not only a blatant disrespect to the football club these people are supposed to support, but also cost us £3,000 to replace.
“We made it clear to the group that this behaviour was completely unacceptable and the leaders have organised a monetary contribution towards this, which we have now received.
“We remain in constant dialogue with leaders of the Ultras Raith group, and while there has been promising progress, they are fully aware of the responsibility they hold and the consequences if behaviour does not improve.”
The club rounded-off the statement by saying the antisocial behaviour is “damaging the reputation of or club, our supporters and our community” and said it simply wouldn’t be tolerated.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Next up for Raith, it’s a massive top of the table clash on Saturday.
They welcome table topping St Johnstone to Stark’s Park with top spot up for grabs.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
