A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed without notice for engaging in football hooliganism and has been handed a three-year football banning order following a misconduct hearing.
Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, an Arsenal supporter attached to the Central South Command Unit, was found guilty of gross misconduct after his disruptive behavior at several football matches, including an incident during a Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal match.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, who oversees the Central South area, condemned Irikefe’s actions, saying:
“DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behavior at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty. His actions have not only led to a football banning order but have also cost him his job. I am grateful to the professional standards and football unit colleagues for gathering the necessary evidence to take decisive action.”
Football Banning Order and Restrictions
The three-year football banning order issued by Westminster Magistrates’ Court imposes strict conditions on DC Irikefe:
- He is prohibited from attending any regulated football matches in the UK.
- He must surrender his passport when required in relation to overseas football matches.
- He cannot be within one mile of the Emirates Stadium on Arsenal match days, four hours before and after a game.
- He is barred from visiting any town, city, or London borough hosting an Arsenal away match within four hours before and after the game.
- He must stay at least two miles away from any stadium where the England national team is playing, four hours before and after the match.
Barred from Policing
Following his dismissal, DC Irikefe will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from being employed by any police force, Police and Crime Commissioners, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
This case underscores the Met’s commitment to maintaining professional standards among its officers, both on and off duty, and its zero-tolerance policy towards violent or anti-social behavior at football matches.
