The Metropolitan Police is deploying a suite of advanced technologies, including live facial recognition (LFR) cameras, for this weekend's highly anticipated North London derby. As Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium, officers will utilise cutting-edge tools designed to identify wanted individuals and prevent disorder, ensuring fans can enjoy the match safely.
High-Tech Policing Arsenal
Live facial recognition cameras will be positioned at two key locations on the approach to the Emirates Stadium. The Met Police stated that this technology will help ensure 'those wanted for offences are on their way to a cell before they have the chance to potentially cause harm at the match.' This forms part of a broader strategy that has seen significant results; since the start of 2024, the Met has used LFR to take more than 1,300 offenders off London's streets, with over 1,000 of those individuals charged or cautioned.
In addition to LFR, officers will be equipped with live-streaming body-worn video. This technology feeds real-time footage from the ground directly to the control room, providing commanders with immediate intelligence to manage the operation effectively.
Invisible DNA Tagging and a Growing Problem
Another tool in the police arsenal is the SelectaDNA tagging spray. Specially trained officers at the stadium will carry canisters of this uniquely coded DNA solution. The spray marks skin and clothing with an invisible ink that is visible under UV light and can remain present for several months. This provides forensic evidence to identify individuals involved in criminality long after they have left the match. The spray was first used at football matches by Cheshire Police in March 2025 and has since been adopted by other forces.
The need for such robust measures is underscored by recent statistics. Earlier this year, damning figures revealed an 18 per cent increase in the number of matches in England and Wales where disorder was reported.
Official Statements on Safety and Technology
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman, who is leading the policing operation, emphasised that public safety is the top priority. 'We want everyone to enjoy the game,' he said. 'This is why it is important that we make the best use of available technology to support officers to do their job more effectively.'
Echoing this sentiment, Lindsey Chiswick, the Met's lead for LFR, described the technology as 'game-changing.' She confirmed that LFR is deployed on a case-by-case basis where intelligence suggests a threat to public safety. Mark Roberts, the national lead for football policing, added that while most fans are law-abiding, a strong policing operation is essential to deal with the minority intent on causing trouble, expressing confidence that these new tools will 'make a real difference.'
The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm on Sunday, November 23.
