And the Bairns also expressed their regrets after a section of their supporters disrupted a pre-match tribute to Alex Edwards, a 1968 Scottish Cup winner with Athletic who passed away earlier this month.
The two fierce rivals met on Friday night for the third time this season and, in front of the BBC Scotland television cameras, played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.
However, the excitement on the field was tarnished by events off it, which included pyrotechnics being thrown from the East Stand housing Falkirk fans.
A number of missiles, which included broken seats, were thrown on to the field from that end of KDM Group East End Park, whilst several fans ran onto the park after Liam Henderson had scored to make it 3-2 to the visitors with three minutes left.
There were also flares lit by Dunfermline fans in the home end.
Police Scotland told the Press that five males were arrested for incidents during the game and adjacent to the stadium, whilst two 14-year-olds were charged with possessing pyrotechnics, and a 26-year-old man was charged with urinating in the street.
READ MORE: ‘Pars are a big club and there’s plenty of interest in managerial vacancy’
There were reports of trouble in the city centre and near the stadium before the match, and this afternoon, Falkirk have released a statement in connection to incidents involving their fans inside the ground.
“Thank you to the near 3,000 Bairns who backed the club relentlessly during an action-packed game at East End Park on Friday,” they said.
“However, those who threw flares or other objects onto the pitch and broke seats have harmed our club.
“The club is bound by the SPFL’s unacceptable conduct rules which provide for an appropriate response to disorderly conduct, the definition of which includes possession and discharge of pyrotechnic devices, throwing of objects, and pitch incursion.
🗣️ Message to supporters:
👉 https://t.co/7Fb4xFvQrz pic.twitter.com/tianuOT45k
— Falkirk FC (@FalkirkFC) December 30, 2024
“Whatever your views on pyrotechnics, the law is black-and-white that they are currently forbidden.
“As a fan-owned club, we will always fight for fair treatment for our fans and a better matchday experience.
“We will however hold individuals accountable for their actions where evidence of wrongdoing exists. We will review the matchday delegate’s report and work with the relevant authorities to take any and all necessary action.”
Before the game kicked off, a minute’s applause was held in memory of Edwards, who passed away at the age of 78.
Feted as one of the most talented players ever to play for the Pars, he played 348 times during their halcyon days in the 1960s, and in 2005, was inducted into the club’s hall of fame.
A minute’s applause held in honour of late Pars legend Alex Edwards as disrupted by chanting from some away fans. (Image: Craig Brown.) However, the tribute in his honour was tarnished by chanting throughout by a section of away fans, and Falkirk added: “We have contacted DAFC to pass on the club’s condolences to Alex Edwards’ family along with our regrets that some fans undermined the pre-match tribute.
“We would ask all Falkirk supporters to show the same respect we would expect for one of our own under similar circumstances.”
In a thrilling contest, Dunfermline fought back three teams to draw, with captain Kyle Benedictus heading home in stoppage time to earn a point.