Around 100 football fans dressed in black were given a police escort ahead of the Fife derby between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic on Friday night, after rival supporters reportedly clashed in Kirkcaldy town centre.
Police Scotland deployed a large presence in the area, including officers on horseback, with locals reporting a heavy police operation around Starks Park. Officers were also stationed at Kirkcaldy train station earlier in the evening as Dunfermline fans arrived in the town.
Footage shows escorted group
Video posted online shows around 100 youths in black clothing chanting as they walk over a grass verge on Milton Road, with roughly a dozen uniformed officers following behind. It is believed police moved in after the rival fans clashed on High Street at around 6pm.
The fixture has seen repeated disorder in recent years. In January 2024, three teenagers aged 14, 15 and 16 were charged after Raith fan Kieren Ross was attacked following a game at East End Park. The incident was filmed on a mobile phone and widely shared on social media, showing the victim curled up on the floor as a group repeatedly punched and kicked him.
Previous incidents at the fixture
In February 2025, a 13-year-old male youth was charged in connection with police assault and possession of pyrotechnics. A 16-year-old and two 13-year-old boys were also charged in connection with pyrotechnics offences.
In August of that year, police worked to keep rival fans apart as hundreds of Dunfermline Athletic supporters moved through the streets of Kirkcaldy.
The winner of Friday's game would go top of the Scottish Championship before Partick Thistle play Queen's Park on Saturday. Police Scotland was approached for comment.
