In a bid to further curb hooliganism, Lorenz Caffier, chairman of the German state ministers conference, has launched a study to examine the implementation of face scanners at German football stadiums.
The face scanner would be able to identify hooligans from a database of known football troublemakers and block them access at the gates. The minister states that current arrangements are difficult to enforce, and that fans which are prohibited to enter a stadium do often find ways to get in, especially at away-games.
That Caffier may have a point was proven a few months ago in Holland when an Ajax fan that was prohibited from entering the stadium attacked AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban. The fan had been able to get a ticket through a friend and his presence had not been picked up by police or stewards.
German fans however have reacted largely negative in response to the initiative. The measure was called “Orwellian”, and a breach of civil rights. Doubts were also raised on the possibility of the scanner giving “false positives.” Others stated that social problems should not get solved by means of technology.
The police however said to support the plans, though also remarked that local police is currently quite apt in recognizing the troublemakers. Still it stated that any initiative to eradicate hooliganism is a step in the right direction.
There is however still a long trajectory ahead, even if the plans may overcome fan protests. The technology that is currently available is far from proven, and if the study concludes positively, than first a trial project will be executed to look at the practical feasibility of the scanners.
Photo: © Paul Lowry