Sept 23 (Reuters) - Facial recognition technology used on match tickets by top flight soccer club Palmeiras has helped the Sao Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP) arrest 28 criminals in four games at the Allianz Parque stadium, the government body said on Friday. However, its use has also helped the SSP apprehend criminals before they enter the stadium to watch the team play. "We invested in the implementation of facial recognition to protect our greatest asset, which is the Palmeiras fans," club president Leila Pereira said in a statement. The facial recognition technology at matches allows real-time analysis to detect fans who have bought tickets from touts, the use of false or third-party documents, outstanding arrest warrants, non-compliance with court orders and sanctions. The SSP have issued arrest warrants related to theft, embezzlement, robbery and drug trafficking.

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Persons: Leila Pereira, Guilherme Derrite, Angelica Medina, Ken Ferris Organizations: Palmeiras, Sao Paulo Public Security Secretariat, Allianz Parque, Paulista, SSP, Thomson Locations: Mexico City