Dumbarton FC adopts new safety app to tackle anti-social behaviour at matches

Dumbarton Football Club is the latest Scottish club to sign up to the Football Safety App reinforcing its bid to make matchdays safer and more welcoming for younger supporters.

The new technology is a real-time reporting tool designed as a first line measure against any form of abuse or unacceptable behaviour in and around sporting venues.

Specifically designed for sport, the award-winning software links to a 24-hour control room and allows players, officials, supporters and staff the ability to anonymously raise issues without fear of retaliation.

Cameron Watson, Executive Director at DFC said: “We are keen to attract a younger demographic to games and one way to do that is to ensure we have an environment that is safe and inclusive.

“This app puts another level of security straight into the pocket of supporters and shows our commitment to making our club a safe and accessible environment for all.

“Across football in Scotland there have been rising incidents of anti-social behaviour. We have recently brought together a fan experience working group and feel that now is the right time to introduce the app as another layer of safety and to send a message that any form of abuse will not be tolerated.”

Sons’ adoption of the new app follows in the footsteps of Clyde who were the first Scottish club to start using the tech, and we see the move as a pre-emptive measure, which Cam says is: “Clamping down now before anti-social behaviour becomes serious.”

Supporters can report any safety concerns they have directly from the stands, including offensive language, any form of verbal abuse or safety concerns. The reports go through a 24-hour control room, are verified and escalated, and can be sent directly to clubs or the police depending upon the severity of the report.

Cam continued: “Our mission is to make football a family friendly environment. We are encouraging young people to come to our games, and we know parents may have an element of concern in allowing their teens to attend what might be their first professional sporting event with their pals and without an adult. With the app in place there is added protection that if the young person hears or sees any elements of concern, they can report it immediately and anonymously.”

Cameron added: “Safeguarding players, supporters and those in the surrounding area on matchdays is our priority and adopting the app is another layer of security that we have adopted, and I don’t think we’ll be the last club in Scotland to embrace the technology.”

The Football Safety App is free to download and comes with additional features such as automatic check-in at fixtures and a raft of rewards for engagement.

The Football Safety App can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play.

For further information, visit www.footballsafetyapp.com.

Written by: Phil Briscoe

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