UEFA's 'undercover fans' track racism at football matches

Among the thousands of fans in the stands at Europe's biggest football games are a few people operating undercover. 

Trained volunteer observers listen for racist chants and watch for extremist symbols on banners.

“You have to be aware of the environment and fit in without standing out. You have to be discreet,” one observer, who has worked at games involving some of football's best-known clubs and national teams, said.

“You have to be anonymous. You have to just sort of blend in. Don’t engage in conversations with anybody.”

The observer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the job requires it, is part of a programme run on behalf of European football's governing body, UEFA, by the Fare Network, a prominent anti-discrimination group. 

Fare monitors about 120 games each season in Europe's main three men's club competitions, executive director Piara Powar said, and more around the world in matches like World Cup qualifying games.

Evidence from the programme, including photos taken surreptitiously from the stands, is used in disciplinary cases against clubs or national teams whose fans display racist behaviour in European competitions like the Champions League.

It's not a career, but a way to make soccer better for the future, the observer said.

Observers work on a volunteer basis, with expenses covered, and are expected to keep tabs on hardcore fan groups' social media to track where incidents may occur.

Inside the stadium, an observer watches the stands for signs of racist, homophobic, sexist or other discriminatory chants or banners, while also keeping an eye on the action on the field, which shapes what happens among fans.

“If you get a disgruntled fan base and they’re getting beaten 5-0 and they get knocked out of a