Police are increasingly using drones to spy on football fans in a bid to counter a surge in violence and disorder.
Police Scotland data shows that the number of times drones were deployed to monitor crowds on match day doubled last year, while the use of the force’s helicopter also rose.
Fans attending matches at a number of clubs including Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs Aberdeen Dundee, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Airdrie, Motherwell, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline were watched from the skies as well as supporters who went to games at Hampden.
The increased monitoring comes as last month saw violent scenes erupt at Ibrox as Celtic and Rangers fans clashed at a Scottish Cup quarter-final match.
As well as on-pitch battles, there were skirmishes outside the ground, with 17 arrests made so far. Much of the blame for the thuggish behaviour has been attributed to organised fan groups who describe themselves as football ‘ultras’.
However, the Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) says it has concerns about innocent supporters being subjected to increased monitoring.
Spokesman Paul Goodwin said: ‘There’s an argument that with the rise of the ultras culture police have to take these precautions.
‘But there has to be a balance. If it were to become a blanket thing we would expect the police to be sitting down with fans and having a discussion around it.’
Police Scotland is using its fleet of drones more regularly to monitor football fans
Mr Goodwin said that fans have long opposed other technology used in Europe to tackle football violence.
The SFSA has repeatedly raised concerns over live facial scanning at games, which it said would turn ‘public spaces into a police line-up’.
Police Scotland has previously explored the possibility of using facial recognition technology, which can scan crowds and cross-reference faces with police databases.
However, the plans were dropped amid a backlash over concerns about human rights and data protection.
Mr Goodwin added: ‘Policing by consent is a way forward, where if they are going to do stuff like that, we know about it in advance.’
Police Scotland said it uses drones to provide an aerial view for match commanders to ‘deal with all incidents of criminality’.
Drones monitored football events 29 times last year, compared with just 13 in 2024.
The force helicopter was used eight times last year, compared with just two the year before that.
Ultras have faced criticism for setting off dangerous flares during football matches
The increased monitoring comes as Scottish football has seen a rise in ultras groups forming at clubs.
Inspired by die-hard groups of fans in Italy, the ultras are known for their intense vocal support, choreographed displays – referred to as tifos – and flags.
However, there can also be more sinister elements to the phenomenon with groups using dangerous flares and engaging in pitched battles with rival fans.
The members of the ultra groups often wear a uniform of dark clothing as well as balaclavas to hide their identities from police and authorities.
These attempts to disguise themselves have led some clubs, such as Forfar Athletic, to ban face coverings at their home fixtures.
The Angus club took the step following disorder at its home match against Spartans on March 21.
The club said the incidents occurred both inside the ground and around the town and involved ‘young fans’.
The dangers posed to innocent fans was highlighted when a 10-year-old schoolboy was left with facial burns after he was hit by a flare at Dundee’s clash with St Johnstone in February 2024.
Rangers and Celtic ultras invaded the pitch following the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox in March
Officers said that if it had stuck him just millimetres closer to the centre of his face he would have lost an eye.
Sickening scenes were also captured on video last year as a group of Airdrie casuals confronted St Johnstone fans in a bar in the town before their Scottish Cup tie.
A video showed thugs throwing bottles into the bar before a fight spilled out on to the street.
Discussing the increased use of drones, Police Scotland superintendent David Howieson said the force’s primary focus is the safety of the public.
He said: ‘We are committed to developing and exploring our air capability. Drones are a valuable policing resource. They are very effective in supporting our operations and helping to keep people safe.
‘The use of drones in support of police at large events, including football, allows commanders and officers to have a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground, to understand crowd dynamics, to make informed decisions on deployment of physical resources in a more flexible, effective and proportionate manner and to respond to any acts of disorder or criminality.
‘This means we can improve public safety, reduce risk and deliver a more effective service to our communities.’
He added: ‘Police Scotland has an aspiration to expand the use of drones, however, this would follow public consultation.’
Police Scotland said all its drone operations adhere to the rules set out by the Civil Aviation Authority.
It also said that any footage recorded and retained for evidential purposes relating to disorder or criminality is managed in accordance with existing policies.
