Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, an officer with the Central South Command Unit, has been dismissed following a misconduct hearing that concluded he engaged in gross misconduct. The hearing revealed his involvement in inappropriate behavior at football matches, including the use of pyrotechnics and offensive chanting. This decision comes after a series of incidents where DC Irikefe's conduct fell far short of the expected standards for a police officer.
The allegations against DC Irikefe highlighted two major incidents. On April 17 last year, while off duty, he allegedly lit and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd during an away match in Munich. Additionally, in February 2023, at a match against Leicester City, he shouted "helicopter," referencing a tragic helicopter crash in 2018 that claimed the life of the club's former owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. This phrase was accompanied by lewd gestures and verbal abuse directed at a substitute player.
Moreover, DC Irikefe attempted to intimidate other fans by concealing his identity with a full balaclava and sunglasses. This behavior led to his arrest by German police, resulting in a fine of £83 (€100). The misconduct hearing further examined his pattern of behavior, which included intimidating acts and the use of pyrotechnics at football events.
In response to these actions, authorities imposed a three-year banning order on DC Irikefe from attending any UK football matches. Furthermore, he received a football banning order, forbidding him from attending any regulated matches across the country. He is also required to surrender his passport when requested for any international matches.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond commented on the gravity of the situation:
"DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty." – Detective Superintendent Emma Bond
DC Irikefe's dismissal was without notice, underscoring the severity of his actions. He will also be added to the College of Policing's barred list, preventing him from serving in any policing capacity in the future.
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