Police forces across the country are to use new ‘tagging spray’ to tackle rising reports of fan disorder at football matches.
Cheshire Constabulary will be the first UK police force to equip officers with DNA Tagging Spray at all League Two football matches, starting with the Crewe Alexandra vs Accrington Stanley fixture on August 9th, 2025.
The spray, which is being supplied by SelectaDNA, marks clothing or skin with an invisible, uniquely-coded DNA solution that links individuals to crimes under UV light, acting as a deterrent for football-related disorder.
The initiative, part of Operation Shield, also includes using the spray to target offenders on electric scooters, eBikes, and off-road bikes, and installing SelectaDNA Intruder Spray kits in businesses to deter theft.
The force are hoping to enhance safety for fans and residents, with the spray providing forensic evidence to identify offenders.
For the 2024/25 season, the Home Office says that football-related crime in England and Wales saw a total of 1,932 arrests, down 11% from 2023/24.
Most (89%) tied to domestic club matches. Manchester United (121), Manchester City (94), and West Ham United (77) had the most supporter arrests. Common offences were public disorder (32%), violent disorder (22%), Class A drug possession (19%).
And the arrest rate is at 4.2 per 100,000 attendees while the number of banning orders sits at 2,439 in force by June 2025, up 12% from 2024, highest since 2012/13.
West Ham United (112), Manchester United (108), and Chelsea (80) led in bans. Mostly issued to males (99.4%) aged 18–34 (64%).
Incidents were reported in 50% of 3,090 matches, up 18% from last season. Most (75%) low severity. Common issues: hate crimes (420, mostly racial/sexual orientation), missile throwing (363), pyrotechnics (319).Online Hate Crime: 212 cases, down from 322, mostly linked to men’s football. More on that HERE.
POLICE STATEMENT:
Cheshire Constabulary is set to become the first police force in the UK to equip officers with DNA Tagging Spray at all League two matches.
Following an initial trial at the Crewe Alexandra versus Port Vale match in March, the force has now decided to rollout the tool to all League Two games.
DNA Tagging Spray, supplied by SelectaDNA, is a spray which can be used by officers to deter and prevent criminal behaviour, such as football disorder.
This spray marks equipment, clothing or skin with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA solution that will provide forensic evidence to link individuals to a specific crime or event. The spray shows up under UV light and clings to skin and clothing for months.
It is hoped that the tool will act as a deterrent to those participating in any anti-social behaviour or disorder before, during and after the game, as well as letting those involved know that they will be sprayed with a solution that will link them back to the scene of the crime.
The rollout will begin this weekend at the Crewe Alexandra versus Accrington Stanley game on Saturday 9 August at the Mornflake Stadium.
The scheme forms part of Operation Shield, a forcewide initiative which will see SelectaDNA Intruder Spray kits installed at a number of business premises and shops across the county with the aim of deterring burglars and thieves.
In addition, as part of the initiative, DNA Tagging Spray will also be used by officers targeting offenders using electric scooters, eBikes and off-road bikes.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, who is leading Operation Shield, said:
“Here at Cheshire Constabulary, we’re committed to doing all that we can to make the county a safer place for everyone, including football fans, and we’ll use all the resources available to us to help achieve our goal.
“When it comes to football, we already have a number of measures in place to keep fans safe and the DNA Tagging kits are just another tool in our belt.
“Starting from this weekend we’ll be equipping our football officers with the spray whenever they are policing any League Two matches in the county.
“While we’d much prefer not to have to use the spray, if required the officers will be able to use it to tag any offenders, with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to any offences.
“I’m hoping this tool also provides the local communities across Cheshire with the reassurance they need that our officers are doing all they can to keep fans and residents safe regardless of the result at the final whistle.”
Chief Constable Mark Roberts added:
“As the NPCC Lead for Football Policing I’m delighted to see that Cheshire Constabulary is leading the way with the roll out of this new tool.
“We know that the vast majority of football fans are law abiding, but unfortunately on occasions there are some who are intent on causing disorder, which is why a strong policing operation is essential.
“I’m confident that this new tool will make a real difference, by helping to identify and deter the criminals who attend football matches here in Cheshire.”
Report reveals which clubs had most arrests and banning orders for 2024/25 season
