TWO football bans have been banned from a Scots stadium after being convicted of offences under a law designed to stamp out abuse at football matches.
Cowdenbeath FC had previously condemned "unacceptable racist singing" directed at Dunfermline Athletic's French-Moroccan striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui.
Fans were heard to sing, "El Bakhtaoui is a f..... refugee", during Cowdenbeath's 1-0 Scottish League One defeat to Fife rivals Dunfermline at Central Park on March 19.
Now Cowdenbeath FC has said that two fans convicted of offences arising from the incidents during the game have been banned from attending all matches at their Central Park ground with immediate effect.
Police Scotland confirmed after the match that two men, aged 16 and 23, were arrested and charged following allegations of racial abuse during the match.
Cowdenbeath say that two fans, who have not named, were subsequently convicted in court on a charge brought under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.
The club has said: "The matter was subsequently considered by the board of Cowdenbeath FC in line with the club's published unacceptable conduct policy.
"The outcome of this review by the board is that a written communication has been sent to both fans confirming that the board's decision is that they are now excluded from attending all matches at Central Park with immediate effect."
Born in Saint-Tropez in France, the Dunfermline striker is the second highest goalscorer in Scottish League One with 21 goals, one behind Rory McAllister of Peterhead.
He began his footballing career with French side Racing-Club de la Baie, based just 10 miles from his home town, before joining The Pars in July 2012.
Last week he said he did not know where his future lies after helping the club to League One title. His contract expires at the end of the season.
After the incident, Ross McArthur, managing director of Dunfermline Athletic said: "We were aware of a few individuals on Saturday directing unacceptable chanting towards our player, Faissal El Bakhtaoui, during and after the match.
"DAFC does not condone this behaviour, however we were satisfied that both Cowdenbeath FC and Police Scotland dealt with this matter timeously and arrests were made on the day.
"I would also credit Faissal for the way he handled the situation, particularly leaving the field of play, without reacting."
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