Tonight’s Fife derby featuring Dunfermline and Falkirk proved to be a thrilling match on the field, but was marred by unacceptable incidents off the pitch.

Both teams fought valiantly to a 3-3 stalemate at East End Park, with Kyle Benedictus scoring a dramatic equaliser for Dunfermline during this Scottish Championship clash.

Damaged seats at Falkirk end

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Damaged seats at Falkirk endCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Debris was left scattered at the side of the pitch

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Debris was left scattered at the side of the pitchCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Fireworks were launched onto the pitch before the game

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Fireworks were launched onto the pitch before the gameCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Firework in Dunfermline goalmouth

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Firework in Dunfermline goalmouthCredit: Kenny Ramsay

The rivalry between these two teams always leads to intense matches.

Tonight’s derby will undoubtedly be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Earlier reports indicated that spectators chose to disregard multiple warnings from both the SFA and the government against using pyrotechnics. Fans from both sides set off fireworks inside the stadium prior to kickoff.

The pitch was engulfed in smoke just before the match began, with fans continuing to ignite fireworks throughout the game.

The derby spiraled into chaos as Dunfermline repeatedly bounced back from behind to equalize late in the match.

There were wild celebrations in the Falkirk section when fans ran onto the pitch, believing Liam Henderson had clinched victory for them in the 87th minute; however, Dunfermline’s captain struck back in stoppage time to level the score.

Shocking images show around 100 seats damaged in the away section as a result of rowdy fans during the turbulent match.

Debris was left scattered around the pitch, particularly beside the advertising boards behind the goal that the Bairns were aiming for in the second half.

There are also allegations that players were targeted with objects during the match and after the final whistle.

Reports suggest that items such as coins, flares, fireworks, and lighters were hurled at the players during these distressing scenes.

Explosive devices were also said to have been thrown onto the field.

SunSport has learned that several Falkirk fans have been apprehended.

Liam Henderson thought he clinched the winner in the closing stages

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Liam Henderson thought he clinched the winner in the closing stagesCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Kyle Benedictus stepped up with the late equaliser minutes later

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Kyle Benedictus stepped up with the late equaliser minutes laterKenny Ramsay

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