By Olaitan Ibrahim
A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed without notice and issued a three-year football banning order over repeated incidents of football-related disorder.
Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, an Arsenal supporter attached to the Central South Command Unit, was sacked following a misconduct hearing last week over his behaviour at a Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal match.
The officer also appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February, in relation to offences committed at Arsenal matches between October 2022 and April 2024.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, who oversees policing in the Central South area, condemned Irikefe’s actions, stating that he had demonstrated an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, which was disgraceful for anyone, let alone a police officer expected to uphold the highest standards both on and off duty.
She said his actions had not only resulted in a football banning order but had also cost him his job, adding that she appreciated the efforts of the professional standards and football unit in compiling the necessary evidence to ensure decisive action was taken.
According to Met Police, the misconduct hearing, held on Thursday, 20 February, examined allegations that on 17 April 2024, while off duty, Irikefe ignited and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd during Arsenal’s match in Munich.
German police arrested him the same day for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium, fining him €100 for the offence.
The hearing ruled that his actions constituted gross misconduct for discreditable conduct and breached professional behaviour standards.