A football fan was left feeling uncomfortable after finding a CCTV camera placed above the women’s toilets while attending an away game.
The Birmingham City supporter was at Swindon Town’s County Ground on Tuesday, 14 January when she made the shocking discovery.
She took to social media to share her unease, with a response from the club commenting that the camera only monitored the concourse and away kiosk, and any footage inside the toilets was blurred for safeguarding and privacy.
According to the English Football League (EFL), stadiums must have CCTV installed to meet safety regulations, reports the Mirror.
The Blues fan posted to X: “Sat on the toilet at Swindon away and notice a CCTV camera right above me.” Her post quickly went viral, notching up around two million views.
Vicki Eyles, Swindon Town’s fan engagement officer, responded in an attempt to ease her concerns: “Sorry for the inconvenience, I am more than happy to contact you in more detail but please be assured this has been run past the EFL and there is digital blur for the toilets, it is for the use of the concourse.”
However, the supporter told our sister title Birmingham Live: “At first I just thought ‘oh this is odd’ and then it sort of hit me that someone could be looking into the cubicle. It made me feel very exposed and, quite honestly, a little violated.”
“I understand they want to be able to monitor what’s happening in the concourse, but having it over women’s toilets is not right. They claimed it was blurred so you can’t see what is happening in there, but to me that is not enough. Someone could easily remove the blur if they wanted to or what happens if it fails? It’s a violation of privacy.”
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In a new statement, League Two side Swindon said: “We are aware that following Birmingham’s visit to the County Ground on Tuesday, January 14, a visiting supporter raised concern over the location of one of our security cameras within the away end of the Arkell’s Stand.
“The camera is positioned to see the away kiosk, the segregation between home and away fans as well as the emergency exit staircase and concourse. The camera does not have a view into the toilets, as this is blocked by a digital privacy blur, fitted by security professionals who, along with the club, must adhere to safeguarding and privacy guidelines.
“The CCTV system is also operated by a Security Industry Authority-licensed security officer under the management of the safety officer and, at times, Wiltshire Police. Following our last report of concern surrounding the camera’s location during our fixture against AFC Wimbledon last season, we increased CCTV signage around all areas of the away end and across the stadium.
“The footage is used for the identification of individuals in the away section of the concourse in the event of an incident. It is shared with the police upon request. The CCTV footage is retained for 30 days. For further information refer to the club’s CCTV Policy which can be accessed on our website.
“However, while the club is confident the current arrangements comply fully with data protection legislation we will investigate the possibility of providing additional measures as soon as possible to allay fans’ concerns. “
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