POLICE are investigating an incident of alleged homophobic abuse that took place after the Falkirk and Hibernian play-off game on Friday night.

The culprits "believed to be football supporters" were observed at Falkirk High station at around between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Officers with British Transport Police (BTP) are also investigating a separate incident that evening, involving disorderly behaviour onboard a train between the town and Glasgow.

Both incidents are believed to involve supporters returning from the Falkirk v Hibs play-off match earlier that evening.

At around 10.30pm, a group of five men – believed to be Hibs fans – are said to have shouted homophobic chants as they waited at Falkirk High station for the train to Edinburgh Waverley.

Constable Fiona MacAulay, from the BTP, said: “The behaviour of this group was totally unacceptable and anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police as a matter of urgency.”

In the earlier incident, BTP officers said that around 10 males – thought to be Falkirk fans – boarded the 10pm Edinburgh Waverley to Queen Street service, as it arrived at Falkirk High.

They are then said to have been shouting, singing offensive songs and drinking alcohol on board the train, which arrived in Glasgow shortly before 11.15pm. Officers say their behaviour was such that other passengers were forced to change carriages.

Constable Patrick Moran, the officer in charge of the enquiry, said: “I am appealing for anyone who was on the train or at the stations and witnessed the group’s behaviour to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40.