True supporters must step forward

Abit of banter with rival fans and players is part and parcel of the Scottish football experience. However, it should never cross the line as it did during Falkirk’s trip to Dunfermline on Tuesday.

So-called fans threw fake eyeballs on to the pitch in a bid to mock Dunfermline’s Dean Shiels.

The player made it in professional football despite losing the sight in one eye in a domestic accident when he was a child.

The abuse he suffered during Tuesday’s match was utterly unacceptable and embarrassing.

Any true football fan will cringe at the thought of their fellow supporters behaving in such a juvenile, pathetic manner.

To be fair to Falkirk, officials at the club were quick to condemn those responsible – and to apologise for their abhorrent conduct.

Yet this is not the first time the issue has reared its head – just a few months ago players Joe McKee and Kevin O’Hara were suspended after being found guilty of taunting the midfielder about his disability.

There must be innocent Falkirk fans out there who know the identities of the thugs responsible for this latest sickening incident.

This is no time for cowardice – the best way they could rebuild trust in both their beloved club and Scottish football as a whole would be to come forward and name and shame.