Met Police to deploy live facial recognition at Chelsea vs Tottenham clash

Met Police to deploy live facial recognition at 'high-risk' Chelsea vs Tottenham clash

The Metropolitan Police will deploy live facial recognition (LFR) technology when Tottenham Hotspur visit Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) has revealed.

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.

Police operation details

The police statement, shared by the 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."

Two LFR vans will be deployed across two locations, Earl's Court and West Brompton, during the pre-match phase of the operation. Signage will be displayed outside the zone of recognition in line with Met Police LFR policy, and a debrief of the deployment can be provided within 72 hours if required.

Watchlist criteria

According to the police, the watchlist will contain individuals subject to Football Banning Orders relating to either club, along with persons wanted or missing for serious offences and those sought on warrants issued by HMCTS.

The police added: "The Premier League and relevant football stakeholders are aware of and supportive of the deployment."

Context for the fixture

Heading into Saturday's early kick-off, Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table after taking 13 points from their opening seven matches, and have won both of their games since the international break, against Bournemouth and Everton. Tottenham 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.

Reuters has contacted Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police for comment.