What does player v fan argument say about Kilmarnock situation?

As boos rung around Rugby Park following Kilmarnock's 1-0 defeat by Falkirk, angry scenes between full-back Dominic Thompson and a group of fans highlighted the increasing tension and concern consuming the Scottish Premiership club.

Presumably, the hierarchy hoped the departure of manager Stuart Kettlewell earlier this week would act as something of a reset.

After one win in 10, supporters had become increasingly disillusioned at what they were seeing on the park, never mind results.

It didn't play out that way with interim-manager Kris Doolan unable to arrest that dismal run of outcomes that leaves Kilmarnock in real trouble in 11th place in the division and with little sign of an upturn on the way.

The scenes involving Thompson are not a good look for anyone but perhaps acutely highlight fan concern and player frustration over the situation.

As players made their way around the far side of the pitch, clearly something was said that defender Thompson took exception to.

To be clear, there is no suggestion of anything in the exchange other than heightened frustration.

However, Thompson's determination to engage with one fan in particular was eye-catching. He rebuffed numerous attempts to remove him by stewards and his own team-mates.

He then made his point, repeatedly pointing his finger, albeit without going too overboard. The fan listened and Thompson left the scene but tempers were clearly heightened on and off the park.

One Kilmarnock fan on BBC Scotland's Sportsound suggested that there had been almost an apathy to defeats recently. This one showed patience is wearing thin.

Remember, it's not that long ago that Kilmarnock faced the drop and dropped.

Four years ago under Tommy Wright, their 28-year stay in the top flight ended following a play-off defeat to Dundee after they finished 11th in the table.

The fear is a return to those dark days and, on the evidence of this run, that's where they are headed unless something turns.

After gaining immediate promotion under Derek McInnes, who took over mid-season, they retained their top-flight status and went on the following campaign to earn a Europa League spot before regressing down the table next term.

McInnes departed for Hearts, and has gone on to lead the Tyencastle side to the top of the Premiership.

That's a complete contrast to how Kilmarnock have fared. After a bright start under Kettlewell a slide started and continued. Alarm bells are ringing.

Not many. Interim manager Kris Doolan may or not take on the role long term but it's clear Kilmarnock need an injection of quality in the upcoming transfer window.

There's no lack of effort but there is a lack of edge in the final third. It cost them against Falkirk, who punished that and stood firm thereafter.

Doolan conceded pre-match that confidence has suffered but insisted he has good players at his disposal. He pointed to the need to re-engage with supporters. Perhaps not quite in the way Thompson did at full-time, though.

"We've got to get togetherness," Doolan told BBC Scotland afterwards. "That's what gets you somewhere in football. Everybody pulling in the same direction.

"They are down [the fans], they are needing picked up but I think you've seen the numbers they turned out today, which is amazing. It's a brilliant place to play. The crowd are massive for Kilmarnock and I'm sure they will back the team.

"When it turns, which it will turn and we'll make it turn, it's going to be something for them to enjoy."

That feels a distance away as those full-time scenes demonstrated.

The harmony between fans and the team they enjoyed under former manager Steve Clarke seems light years ago right now.