Security experts widely believe that unmanned aerial systems pose a legitimate threat to sporting events. That is the reason when a drone was spotted hovering in the air above the pitch in Bradford City's home match against Sky Bet League One rivals Bristol Rovers, the referee Andy Haines brought the game to a halt in the 65th minute with the scoreline goalless and subsequently decided to take both sets of players off due to safety concerns. Play, however, resumed three minutes after the incident, with Haines satisfied that the safety of the players and supporters were not at risk, but it left concerns for safety and security of games.
Drones and aerial cameras are increasingly popular technology in almost all sports and game events, being used for media coverage, live telecast and impactful cinematography, but there is no denying they could be be a potential threat.These devices are not only becoming cheaper and easier to own, but technology has advanced to such a point that virtually anyone — hobbyist or terrorist — can fly one.
In a similar incident a drone flew over the pitch during the Serbia vs. Albania UEFA 2016 qualifier bearing an offensive flag, which resulted in the teams and spectators brawling with each other and the match being stopped.
The potential impact drone attacks can have on sporting event safety has rapidly progressed. While security professionals are focusing on drones as they relate to security and privacy concerns, drones' impact on the future of event security remains unclear.
By M. Wasim
mwasim.370@gmail.com
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