Will facial recognition be used at the Arsenal vs. Tottenham match?

Yes, live facial recognition cameras will be deployed by police at two locations approaching the Emirates Stadium for the north London derby.

What is SelectaDNA spray used for at football matches?

SelectaDNA spray is an invisible DNA solution used to mark offenders, providing forensic evidence for identification for several months after an event.

How many offenders has Met Police caught with facial recognition in 2025?

Since the start of 2025, the Met Police have apprehended over 1,300 offenders using live facial recognition technology.

Home / Sports / Eyes on the Stands: Facial Recognition at North London Derby

Eyes on the Stands: Facial Recognition at North London Derby

22 Nov

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Summary

Police will use live facial recognition cameras at the north London derby.
Technology aims to identify and apprehend wanted individuals before the match.
Invisible DNA spray will also be used to mark offenders for later identification.

Eyes on the Stands: Facial Recognition at North London Derby

This Sunday's north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham will see the Metropolitan Police implement advanced surveillance measures. Live facial recognition (LFR) cameras will be strategically placed at two locations near the Emirates Stadium. This technology is intended to identify individuals with outstanding warrants or who are subject to court orders, aiming to prevent them from entering the stadium and causing disorder.

In addition to LFR, officers will be equipped with body-worn video cameras capable of live-streaming footage directly to a control room, providing real-time intelligence. Specially trained officers will also carry SelectaDNA tagging spray. This innovative solution marks suspects with a unique, invisible DNA code that can be detected under UV light for months, aiding forensic identification of those involved in any post-match criminality.