Liverpool ‘considering introducing AI system which may allow partial re-opening of Anfield’

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up the possibility of introducing an artificial intelligence system which may allow the partial re-opening of Anfield next season. 

The technology, which has been developed by German company G2K, will check the temperature of supporters and also ensure that masks are being worn. It can also control crowd management and would monitor whether match-goers are social distancing.

According to The Athletic, the ground-breaking system has already successfully been trialled at Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin and will play a key role in the gradual reintroduction of reduced crowds at matches. 

Liverpool are considering introducing an AI system at Anfield which may allow fans to return

The technology is able to check the temperature of supporters and enforce social distancing

It has also been suggested that LaLiga are also testing out the technology at Real Sociedad’s ground.

The same report states that Jurgen Klopp holds a personal interest in the proposal due to its successful use in Dortmund – and Liverpool are said to be set to hold talks with the company this week. 

The software will make use of pre-existing CCTV cameras at stadia and may even be installed within the space of a fortnight for roughly £90,000 per game. 

Jurgen Klopp has also reportedly taken a personal interest in the ground-breaking technology

It will, however, need clubs to install temperature-sensitive cameras to screen fans during the pandemic.

A trial run resulted in the technology also being able to alert stewards when it identified individuals not distancing, and it would be capable of enforcing protocol on the screens around the ground. 

It has been indicated that Dortmund approached G2K under the impression that 30 per cent of the Signal Iduna Park’s capacity will be taken up next season.  

Premier League games resumed behind closed doors after the coronavirus-enforced hiatus

The software has been extensively trialled at Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin’s grounds

The software was extensively scrutinised before the Bundesliga outfit’s game against Hoffenheim on June 27 with a 98.3 per cent accuracy for temperature checks.

The system would not use facial recognition but would be capable of flagging up raised temperatures and people not wearing masks in large groups.  

The only obstacle to implementing the range of measures in the Premier League is that it would require approval from top flight chiefs and the government – but the example set in Germany has reportedly helped assure figures that the authorities are also likely to give the go-ahead in England.