Raith Rovers vow to ban supporters who damaged seats and discharged smoke bombs at Firhill

A smoke canister was thrown onto the track from the stand housing Raith Rovers fans during the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Partick Thistle at Firhill. Pic: Fife Photo Agency

Almost 800 travelling fans watched the Kirkcaldy side claim a 2-1 victory, and while the vast majority have been praised for their vocal backing, the club has released a statement condemning acts of vandalism in the away end, including damage to seats and the discharging of smoke canisters.

"The atmosphere at Firhill was fantastic and down, in no small part, to the contribution our supporters made," the statement read.

"Unfortunately, some went beyond what could be excused as exuberance and we have had information passed to us this morning about wilful damage to seating at the front of the Jackie Husband Stand.

"In addition, the staff at Partick Thistle are in the process of trying to clean a significant area in the concourse soiled by the residue of the smoke canister which was activated at half time.

"The dangers of activating smoke canisters in public areas has been highlighted previously, however – doing so in a confined area increases risk especially to the elderly and those with breathing problems. The damage to the seats is, quite simply, vandalism and is unacceptable."

Rovers are now working with Partick Thistle and Police Scotland to identify the culprits, with the possibility of criminal charges as well as a ban from attending games.

"The club are currently reviewing stadium CCTV and other sources in an effort to identify those involved," the statement continued.

"Apart from the criminal element of these activities, the club will deliver significant bans to anyone involved.

"Such behaviour not only adversely affects the club’s reputation but can expose us to financial and other sanctions which we can ill afford.

"We have visited this matter before and hope not to do so again ... this type of behaviour is unwelcome and in no way evidences support of Raith Rovers FC."

The club is asked for help in tracing the people involved.

"Anyone who has information relating to those responsible for the damage and/or activation of the smoke canisters should contact Raith Rovers as soon as possible," it added.

"Going forward, a travelling Raith Rovers support will be dealt with in a very different way now and that is disappointing."

It is the second time this season that the club has had to address the behaviour of away fans after making a similar statement following an incident at Falkirk Stadium on December 14 that resulted in damage to seats and an advertising banner in the away end.