Football fans who chant sectarian or racist slogans are being told there is no hiding place.
The warning was issued by Fife Police after a 19-year-old man admitted committing a religiously prejudiced breach of the peace during Saturday’s Dunfermline versus Hearts game at East End Park.
Officers swooped on Jamie Begbie, from Kirkliston, after he was heard chanting sectarian songs while seated among the away section of the support.
Begbie, who appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Monday, will be sentenced on November 16 following the preparation of reports.
Police in Fife recently launched a crackdown on football-related hate crime with undercover officers attending matches at East End Park. Six fans have been arrested during Dunfermline’s last three home games.
Detective Inspector David McLaren said the vast majority of fans have nothing to fear.
”We really want to tackle this issue head-on,” he told The Courier following Begbie’s court appearance. ”This will act as a warning to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to shout racist or sectarian abuse at the football.
”We will take action against any offenders and are happy to be as proactive as we possibly can be.”
Mr McLaren said undercover, plain clothes officers had been in both home and away ends at recent Pars games.
”Some fans who have been using internet forums are apparently concerned about this crackdown, saying it brings negative publicity to the club,” he continued.
”However, it is not the police who cause negative publicity, but the fans who indulge in this kind of behaviour.
”Having said that, the vast majority of fans are appalled by the type of abuse we are tackling. Make no mistake most fans have nothing to fear.”
Mr McLaren said police were determined to make a trip to the football in Fife as enjoyable as possible for law-abiding citizens.
”The initiative involves two strands along with enforcement there is also a liaison element which aims to engage with fans and listen to their thoughts and concerns.”
Mr McLaren added that the police had received ”great support” from officials at Dunfermline FC.
Meanwhile, fans have increasingly been approaching officers to report any unruly behaviour.
Begbie was among Hearts fans in the east stand at East End Park when he was arrested.
Sergeant Andy Smith, a football liaison officer with Fife Police, said the latest arrests should act as a ”reminder” to those who behave in an abusive or threatening manner at the football.
”Fife Constabulary will continue in its commitment to deliver a clear message to those who continue to shout hate-filled comments during football matches,” he said.
”These arrests should act as a further warning to supporters attending East End Park who are intent on conducting themselves in a racially or religiously prejudiced manner.”
Just last month three men appeared in court following allegations they had indulged in sectarian behaviour during a recent game between Dunfermline and Rangers at East End Park.
An 18-year-old arrested among home fans in the north west stand on Monday denied a charge that he committed a racially motivated breach of the peace during Saturday’s game.
Andrew Irvine, from Dunfermline, will stand trial in January.