Cheshire Constabulary says the recent rollout of DNA Tagging Spray at Crewe Alexandra home matches will only be used to "target offenders," as supporters hit out at the scheme.

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.

The spray marks equipment, clothing or skin with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA solution providing 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.

The rollout began when Crewe Alexandra hosted Accrington Stanley game on August 9 and is continuing for all of The Alex's home games for 2025/26, much to the discontent of a number of supporters.

The DNA Tagging Spray rollout began when Crewe Alexandra hosted Accrington Stanley game on August 9 and is continuing for all of The Alex's home games for 2025/26 (Ryan Parker).

Dozens of Alex fans hit out at the scheme on Nub News, with some labelling it "beyond lawful" and a "waste of taxpayers cash."

This scheme forms part of Operation Shield, a force-wide initiative seeing SelectaDNA Intruder Spray kits installed at a number of business premises and shops across the county with the aim of deterring burglars and thieves.

Cheshire Police has since said if Alex fans stay on the right side of the law "they have no reason to worry" about getting sprayed.

Chief Superintendent, Gareth Wrigley, who is leading Operation Shield, told Nub News: "Cheshire Constabulary is committed to doing all that we can to make the county a safer place for everyone, including football fans, and we will 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.

"Selecta DNA has been used for several years to identify offenders in other situations and League Two football matches are no different.

Dozens of Crewe Alex fans hit out at the DNA Tagging Spray scheme on Nub News, with some labelling it 'beyond lawful' and a 'waste of taxpayers cash' (Ryan Parker).

"While we would much prefer not to have to use the spray, it will only be used to target offenders, so if people stay on the right side of the law, then they have no reason to worry.

"However, if anyone breaks the law, then officers will be able to use the spray to tag them with a uniquely coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to the 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."

As part of the initiative, DNA Tagging Spray is also being used by officers targeting offenders using electric scooters, eBikes and off-road bikes.

READ MORE: Transfer Deadline Day Live: Crewe Alexandra target late additions.

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