Live facial recognition technology could be used to stop banned football supporters attending matches in Scotland following the violent disorder that marred Rangers' Scottish Cup clash with Celtic in March. Craig Naylor, who has held the post since 2022, said such technology could be used as part of efforts to stop banned individuals from attending matches. His comments came as he argued that using both facial recognition technology and drones, with "appropriate safeguards" in place, could "help reduce the threats posed to the public from high-risk sex offenders, organised crime groups, violent offenders and others whose activities cause significant harm to communities". He stressed that football disorder, such as that seen when Rangers played Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final in March, where rival fans clashed after a pitch invasion, "cannot continue to be tolerated". His comments came in his latest annual report, which suggested that restricting the number of supporters allowed to attend games, applying football banning orders with "more vigour" and "modern technologies such as facial recognition to prevent the attendance of banned individuals should all be explored". He described the Old Firm clash in March as being a "watershed moment for Scottish football". Naylor stated: "The scenes witnessed, including pitch incursions, assaults, the use of pyrotechnics and threats to public safety, were unacceptable and caused injuries to those involved. "A situation that cannot continue to be tolerated." While he stressed that "responsibility for violent and disorderly behaviour rests unequivocally with those individuals who chose to engage in it", the inspector added that there is a "clear need for a more joined-up and intelligence-led approach to the management of high-risk football fixtures". Warning of the "increasing threat of violence and disorder", he said clubs, governing bodies, local authorities and supporter groups must all share responsibility with policing in