A PARS fan was caught red-handed by police looking for a fight with Falkirk supporters. 

David Bailey narrowly avoided a football banning order for challenging Bairns fans on the way into East End Park for Dunfermline Athletic's 3-1 win in a Championship game in August but was sentenced to 140 hours of unpaid work. 

The 22-year-old, of Maitland Street, Dunfermline, previously admitted that on August 19 at Appin Crescent, he did engage in behaviour directed towards another or others which would be likely to incite public disorder and that he did shout, swear, act in an aggressive manner, clench his fists, gesticulate in a threatening manner and challenge football supporters there to fight.

Depute fiscal Carrie Stevens told Dunfermline Sheriff Court last Wednesday that police had put measures in place so that both sets of fans were separated when entering and exiting East End. 

Bailey was seen by officers going directly towards Falkirk supporters with his fists clenched as if he was going to fight with them. He was shouting and swearing, egging them on to fight with him, the court was told. 

However, police were quick to arrest him and he told them: "I was being stupid."

Defence solicitor Sarah Meehan said: "This appears to be an isolated incident. He was making his way to the match and in the area, there was groups of fans from both teams.

"Everyone was chanting and singing in good spirits but there were three Falkirk fans that were making remarks towards Dunfermline supporters. 

"Unfortunately for Mr Bailey he took the bait and reacted.

"He accepts that his behaviour was wrong and is embarrassed by his involvement. He appreciates his behaviour could have aggravated circumstances."

The Crown presented a motion for a football banning order but it was refused.

Sheriff Craig McSherry said: "I am aware how serious the police take the slightest chance of violence at matches so they keep fans apart. 

"I don't really see how chanting and singing is in good spirits so I'm imposing a community payback order of 140 hours unpaid work. 

"However, it would appear that you do not impose such a risk so I won't allow a football banning order."