A DEFEAT TOO FAR FOR FANS

As Dunfermline slipped to a 1-0 reverse against Queen of the South on Saturday, it felt like a breaking point.

It was certainly a defeat too far for the seething travelling supporters.

Whether a dire day in Dumfries proves to be the death knell for Peter Grant’s reign as boss remains to be seen. The ball is now in the court of Dunfermline’s German owners and chairman Ross McArthur.

What is not up for debate is that the Pars are in an almighty mess: Four points adrift of guaranteed safety and 10 points behind the Championship playoff places.

With the international hiatus upon us, it promises to be a dramatic fortnight on Halbeath Road, one way or another.

There was never likely to be any snap sacking or emergency meetings following Saturday’s defeat. It isn’t the way at East End Park.

McArthur has never been a reactive chairman and, whatever decision is forthcoming, it will play out in a respectful manner after due process.

He displayed loyalty to previous managers Allan Johnston and Stevie Crawford when a section of the Pars’ fanbase were calling for a dismissal, albeit the clamour for change never reached this volume.

The key figures within DAFC Fussball GmbH – the club’s German owners – are also abroad, albeit that does not preclude them from attending gatherings in the digital age.

The Pars fans, who were sold a title dream at the start of the season and are now mired in a relegation scrap, have been admirably supportive in recent weeks.

But patience snapped at Palmerston Park. The atmosphere was downright toxic in the away end when the full-time whistle blew.

When anger reaches this point, it becomes difficult – and financially risky – to ignore.