New scheme will ID football fans

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7545247.stm

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An identification system for all football fans is to be introduced by Stena Line on its Belfast to Stranraer route.

It follows trouble last football season which involved both Celtic and Rangers fans.

The new scheme means supporters on the ferry will wear coloured tags.

In a statement, the ferry company said the move was for the safety and comfort of all passengers and the coloured lanyards would not identify their club.

Glasgow Rangers fan Sam Morton said: "My understanding is that fans will be issued with a coloured tag to wear around their neck or on their clothing.

"This is to identify them as being part of an organised group. If they do misbehave, then they can be pointed out and easily identified as being part of an organised group."

He said that Stena Line and stewards could then take action.

"Stena Line will be introducing coloured lanyards to football clubs when they travel," the company said.

"These lanyards will only be colour-specific and will not identify individuals nor will they reveal which supporters club they are from."

The procedure would be implemented for the forthcoming season.