Cheshire Police will become the first force in the UK to equip officers with DNA tagging spray at all League Two matches, in a bid to tackle football-related disorder. The spray, supplied by SelectaDNA, marks individuals with a uniquely-coded invisible solution that provides forensic evidence linking them to a crime scene.
Following a trial at the Crewe Alexandra versus Port Vale match in March, the force has rolled out the tool to all League Two games. This could affect fans of Tranmere Rovers, as well as Everton and Liverpool supporters if they are drawn away against a Cheshire side in cup competitions.
The spray, which shows up under UV light and clings to skin and clothing for months, is intended to deter anti-social behaviour before, during and after matches. It has previously been used by Merseyside Police to tackle shoplifting. The rollout begins this weekend at the Crewe Alexandra versus Accrington Stanley game.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, leading Operation Shield, said: 'We're committed to doing all we can to make the county a safer place for everyone, including football fans.' Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, added: 'I'm delighted to see that Cheshire Constabulary is leading the way.'
However, the Football Supporters Association has criticised the move. Chief executive Kevin Miles said: 'We have serious concerns about police forces deploying largely unproven technologies against matchgoing fans. Misuse could see innocent bystanders caught up in criminal justice procedures.'
