Met Police to deploy live facial recognition technology for 'high-risk' Chelsea vs Tottenham clash
Chelsea's Supporters' Trust has revealed that live facial recognition technology will be used by the Metropolitan Police when Tottenham Hotspur visit Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the CST said it had received a communication from the police outlining the plans for the game which the Met described as a "high-risk fixture" between the two London rivals.
The statement from the police via CST read: "I am writing to inform you that on Saturday 24 October 2026, Live Facial Recognition (LFR) will be deployed during the policing operation for the Chelsea FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC football fixture, which has been assessed as a high-risk match.
“The deployment follows the established stakeholder engagement approach previously used for football-related LFR deployments.
“The two deployment locations will be: Earl's Court West Brompton Two LFR vans will be deployed across these locations during the pre-match phase of the operation.
“Signage will be deployed outside the zone of recognition in line with MPS LFR policy. We can provide a debrief of the deployment within 72 hours should you require. The deployment will operate during the designated pre-match period.
“The watchlist will contain individuals subject to Football Banning Orders relating to either club, together with persons wanted or missing for serious offences and those sought on warrants issued by HMCTS. This reflects the watchlist criteria outlined in the previous stakeholder communication.
“The Premier League and relevant football stakeholders are aware of and supportive of the deployment."
The supporters' group is affiliated with the Football Supporters' Association and engages with Chelsea and other stakeholders on issues affecting fans.
Reuters has contacted Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Heading into Saturday’s early kick-off, Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table after taking 13 points from their opening seven matches. They have won both of their games since the international break against Bournemouth and Everton respectively.
Meanwhile, Spurs picked up their first win of the season against Coventry City on Monday night to move out of the relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are on six points from seven games.
