A female fan has hit out at a Football League club for having a CCTV camera installed above the women’s toilets in their stadium.
The Birmingham City supporter travelled down to Swindon to watch the Blues play at the County Ground in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday night.
Birmingham picked up a 2-1 win, but it was not a completely happy night for the visitors after one of their fans caught a glimpse of a CCTV camera while using the restroom.
Taking to X she wrote alongside a picture of the camera: ‘Sat on the toilet at Swindon away and notice a CCTV camera right above me.’
The post was viewed more than two million times after going viral, leading to Swindon issuing a response.
Vicki Eyles, Swindon Town’s fan engagement officer, said: ‘Sorry for the inconvenience, I am more than happy to contact you in more detail but please be assured this has been run past the EFL and there is digital blur for the toilets, it is for the use of the concourse.’
The female fan was unhappy with the CCTV camera above the women’s toilets at the County Ground (pictured)
But the female supporter insisted Swindon’s explanation was not good enough as she spoke to Birmingham Live about her ordeal.
She told the Midlands outlet: ‘At first I just thought “oh this is odd” and then it sort of hit me that someone could be looking into the cubicle. It made me feel very exposed and, quite honestly, a little violated.”
‘I understand they want to be able to monitor what’s happening in the concourse, but having it over women’s toilets is not right. They claimed it was blurred so you can’t see what is happening in there, but to me that is not enough. Someone could easily remove the blur if they wanted to or what happens if it fails? It’s a violation of privacy.’
Following further criticism from the travelling fan, Swindon addressed the matter again on their official website on Wednesday evening.
The club statement read: ‘We are aware that following Birminghamâs visit to the County Ground on Tuesday 14 January, that a visiting supporter has raised concern over the location of one of our Security Cameras within the Away End of the Arkellâs Stand.
‘The camera is positioned to see the away kiosk, the segregation between home and away fans as well as the emergency exit staircase and concourse.
‘The camera does not have a view into the toilets, as this is blocked by a digital privacy blur, fitted by security professionals who, along with the club, must adhere to safeguarding and privacy guidelines.â
‘The CCTV system is also operated by a Security Industry Authority licensed security officer under the management of the safety officer and at times Wiltshire Police.
‘Following our last report of concern surrounding the cameraâs location during our fixture against AFC Wimbledon last season, we increased CCTV signage around all areas of the Away End and across the stadium.
‘The footage is used for the identification of individuals in the away section of the concourse in the event of an incident. It is shared with the police upon request. The CCTV footage is retained for 30 days. For further information refer to the Clubâs CCTV Policy which can be accessed on our website. However, whilst the Club is confident that the current arrangements comply fully with data protection legislation we will investigate the possibility of providing additional measures as soon as possible to allay fans concerns.
‘We are working closely with our supporter groups, key club partners and our supporters and should any fans have any concerns with the Nigel Eady County Ground, then please do not hesitate to drop an email to media@swindontownfc.co.uk and we will address any concerns at the stadium to ensure we can increase the experience of attending home fixtures moving forward.’
Swindon will play at home again on Saturday when they host Barrow in a League Two clash.Â
