Met Police Detective Sacked for Football Hooliganism, Banned from Matches for Three Years
Detective Constable Binned for Blitzing Football Fans
A Metropolitan Police officer has been axed without notice for causing chaos at football matches. Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, an Arsenal fan, was found guilty of gross misconduct at a recent hearing. Not only did he lose his job, but he’s also been slapped with a three-year football banning order.
Irikefe’s trouble-making hit a peak during a Bayern Munich vs Arsenal clash where he threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd. Arrested by German police for wearing a balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium, he was fined €100 for “masking.”
Flashpoints on the Pitch
The hearing revealed a disturbing pattern of bad behaviour between October 2022 and April 2024, including:
- Disorderly conduct at numerous Arsenal games.
- Shouting a vile “helicopter” chant referencing leicester/" title="Leicester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Leicester City owner’s tragic accident in February 2023.
- Wearing masks and using flares to intimidate rival supporters.
- Making lewd gestures and hurling abuse at players and fans alike.
Dismissed and Banned: Met Sends Strong Message
Despite resigning on February 12, Irikefe was still employed during the misconduct hearing and was swiftly dismissed for gross misconduct. Detective Superintendent Emma Bond blasted his actions:
“DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour, for anyone let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest standards on and off duty. His actions cost him his job and a football banning order. Thanks to professional standards and football unit for decisive action.”
Strict Football Ban Imposed by Westminster Court
The three-year banning order barred Irikefe from:
- Attending regulated football matches throughout the UK.
- Using his passport for overseas matches without surrendering it.
- Being within one mile of Emirates Stadium on Arsenal match days, four hours before and after games.
- Visiting any city or London borough hosting Arsenal away matches within four hours either side of the game.
- Coming within two miles of any stadium hosting England national games during match periods.
Irikefe will also be added to the College of Policing’s barred list, banning him from working for any UK police force or related bodies indefinitely.
This high-profile case sends a clear warning: the Met will not tolerate officers turning into thugs, on or off duty, especially when football hooliganism is involved.
