Scotland's police watchdog has proposed the use of live facial recognition technology as a measure to combat football hooliganism, suggesting it could help prevent banned individuals from attending matches. Craig Naylor, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, indicated that this technology, in conjunction with drones and appropriate safeguards, could also help mitigate threats posed by high-risk sex offenders, organized crime groups, and violent offenders.
Naylor highlighted disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic in March, which saw rival fans clash, pitch invasions, and the use of pyrotechnics, as a "watershed moment for Scottish football." He stated that such scenes "cannot continue to be tolerated" and attributed the disruption to "significant failures in planning, communication and matchday safety."
The report suggested exploring measures such as restricting the number of supporters allowed at games, more vigorous application of football banning orders (FBOs), and the use of modern technologies like facial recognition to block attendance by banned individuals. Naylor emphasized that while individual behavior is the primary responsibility, a more integrated and intelligence-led approach to managing high-risk fixtures is necessary. He also called for improved segregation of rival supporters and consistent, evidence-led sanctions against those involved in violence or disorder.
In addition to tackling football disorder, the report touched upon the need for urgent changes to witness citation processes. It noted that the current system relies on outdated methods, with Police Scotland alone issuing approximately 154,000 citations annually. The watchdog suggested that wider use of email and digital communication could improve the witness experience, reduce administrative burdens, lower costs, and free up police officers for core duties.
Concerns were also raised regarding backlogs in complaints handling, crime recording administration, subject access requests, and responses to Freedom of Information requests. Naylor warned of a risk that existing pressures could grow amidst significant financial constraints.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs affirmed the force's duty to employ new technologies to safeguard communities, noting their potential for supporting investigations and identification. He stated that Police Scotland's consideration of live facial recognition technology is ongoing, following public consultation on its biometrics strategy, which indicated both support and a need for assurance, governance, and transparency.
A Scottish Government spokesperson indicated that any deployment of new technology would be an operational matter for the chief constable, subject to scrutiny by the Scottish Police Authority and compliance with data protection laws, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner’s code of practice. The government also committed to introducing legislation to strengthen football banning orders, granting courts greater powers to impose them for offenses such as pyrotechnics misuse, throwing missiles, and pitch invasions.