FIVE football fans have been sentenced at Dunfermline Sheriff Court today (Wednesday) after a bar brawl in the city.

Two of the accused were banned from football matches for a total of more than three years.

The five men were sentenced for their part in a breach of the peace outside a Dunfermline bar following the Dunfermline Athletic versus Rangers clash at East End Park on 30th December 2013.

The court heard that at about 6.30pm, a large group of Dunfermline supporters tried to enter the bar in Guildhall Street but were not allowed in due to the amount of opposition fans inside.

A number of the fans inside then exited the premises and a large-scale disturbance between the two groups ensued.

All five accused were convicted of a breach of the peace.

They were: Lewis David McGee (21), from Dunfermline, who was fined £360; David Mitchell (44), from Dunfermline, who was given a Community Payback Order for 135 hours of unpaid work and a Football Banning Order for 22 months; Jamie John Paterson (21), from Lochgelly, who was fined £270; Greig Telford (33), from Lochgelly, who was fined £360; and Stephen Andrew Payne (21), from Rosyth; whop was sentenced to a Community Payback Order for 115 hours of unpaid work and handed a Football Banning Order for 18 months.

Speaking following sentencing, Emma White, football liaison prosecutor for the East of Scotland, said, “Innocent members of the public and ordinary, decent supporters were clearly alarmed as the shocking large-scale disturbance between the rival fans ensued.

“This behaviour of the individuals involved was totally unacceptable and I am pleased to see they have been brought to justice for their actions.

“I hope our prosecution of these individuals, and the sentences imposed by the courts, sends out a strong message to help prevent football-related violence and disorder.”