SPFL face-recognition plan concerns clubs

Flares came on to the pitch as Forfar Athletic faced Linlithgow Rose

Unrest is growing among clubs after the Scottish Professional Football League announced a plan to introduce facial recognition technology into stadiums.

Representatives of all 42 clubs were told of the proposals as part of a discussion about how to tackle unruly fan behaviour.

But several clubs have told BBC Scotland that they believe the scheme is over the top and too expensive.

They are also angry over the lack of consultation on the matter.

It is understood league bosses want the Scottish government to help fund the project, which could cost as much as £4.5m.

The SPFL has set up a working group to examine the issue of unacceptable conduct, such as flares, smoke bombs and sectarian singing.

And the facial recognition system was mentioned at a meeting of member clubs on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that the SPFL is to investigate incidents of "unacceptable conduct" at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium and Hearts' Tynecastle last month.