Plans by police to use an invisible ‘tagging spray’ on football fans have been slated by the country’s major supporters group.
Cheshire Police have announced that, from this season, officers will be equipped with SelectaDNA sprays at League One matches in the county.
The spray cannot be seen, but those targeted will have their clothing or skin marked with a uniquely-coded DNA solution that would show up under UV light months later.
The force says that, from Saturdays Crewe Alexandra versus Accrington Stanley match, officers will be able to use the spray on troublemakers, in an attempt to identify them.
They hope the new addition will deter hooligans from engaging in anti-social behaviour around matches in pubs and city centres, given the prospect that they could subsequently be linked to the scene.
Shops and businesses will also receive the spray, which it is hoped will deter burglars and shoplifters.
Football hooligans will be targeted with an invisible DNA tagging spray at matches
The cutting-edge substance marks skin and clothing and will last for several months
It is visible under UV light, allowing officers to trace offenders months after a crime
However, the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) have been quick to condemn the move, which was announced on Wednesday.
‘We have serious concerns about police forces deploying largely unproven technologies against matchgoing fans,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Misuse or inconsiderate deployment of DNA spray by officers could see innocent bystanders caught up in criminal justice procedures in which they have no reason to be entangled.
‘The arrest stats continue to show that football is an overwhelmingly safe activity – with just 5.5 arrests per 100,000 spectators last year. So we have to ask: is this necessary and is this proportionate?
‘What is particularly disappointing to us – at a time when Government has legislated to ensure fans have a voice in the game – is the total absence of consultation by the police.’
Mark Roberts, Cheshire’s chief constable football policing lead in England, has hailed the spray’s introduction. ‘We know that the vast majority of football fans are law abiding, but unfortunately on occasions there are some who are intent on causing disorder, which is why a strong policing operation is essential,’ he said.
‘I’m confident that this new tool will make a real difference, by helping to identify and deter the criminals who attend football matches here in Cheshire.’
