A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for causing injury to a 12-year-old boy with a flare at Saturday’s match between St Johnstone and Dundee, while a Raith Rovers supporter has been banned for throwing an object towards Dundee United striker Tony Watt following a weekend of disorder in the stands on Tayside.
A young Dundee fan required treatment from paramedics after suffering burns from a pyrotechnic thrown from elsewhere in the away end during the Dark Blues’ 2-1 cinch Premiership victory over Saints.
The incident resulted in a teenager being arrested, while there were four further arrests for use of pyrotechnics at the match in Perth.
“During the match at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, March 30, 2024, a 12-year-old boy was struck by a flare thrown from a section of the ground,” read a statement from Police Scotland.
“He was treated for a facial injury by paramedics at the scene. A 15 year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident.
“Following other pyrotechnics being used at the game, a further four people, aged 13, 15, 17 and 17, were also arrested.
“All above are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Dundee issued a statement on Sunday vowing to take action against any of their supporters bringing pyrotechnics to matches, while also stating that they had been in contact with the family of the injured 12-year-old and would be “arranging something special for him with the players and coaches.”
Across Tayside, Saturday’s cinch Championship top-of-the-table clash between Dundee United and Raith was marred when United striker Tony Watt (above) had objects thrown towards him, including a glass bottle, as he celebrated his early goal in front of the Rovers fans.
Police Scotland reported that “two men, aged 21 and 23, were arrested and charged in connection with disorder” at the Tannadice showdown – which finished 2-0 to United – although it is unclear if that was as a result of the missile-throwing.
However, Rovers confirmed on Monday that they had issued an indefinite ban to one of their fans for their part in showering Watt with objects.
“A supporter that threw an object onto the pitch during Saturday’s match has been identified and banned from Stark’s Park indefinitely,” read a statement from Raith.
“Such behaviour does not reflect the values of our football club, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards it.”
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