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Detective Constable (DC) Gordon Irikefe of the Metropolitan Police has been dismissed following a misconduct hearing that addressed his involvement in football-related disorder during a UEFA Champions League match. The incident occurred on April 17, 2024, during a quarter-final match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
While off-duty, DC Irikefe was arrested by German authorities for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium, a violation of local regulations against face coverings at public events. He was fined €100 for this offense. Further investigations revealed CCTV footage showing DC Irikefe lighting and throwing a pyrotechnic device into the crowd during the match. These actions were deemed to have breached the standards of professional behavior expected of police officers, specifically concerning discreditable conduct. The misconduct hearing, which concluded on February 20, 2025, resulted in his dismissal without notice.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, overseeing policing for the Central South area, commented on the case: “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.”
This incident highlights the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing efforts to address misconduct within its ranks. In the past three years, the force has dismissed over 100 officers for gross misconduct, reflecting a commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior.
The case also underscores the importance of appropriate conduct by law enforcement officers, both on and off duty, especially in environments like football matches where emotions can run high. The Metropolitan Police continues to emphasize that any behavior falling short of its professional standards will be met with decisive action.
• Officer Involved: Detective Constable (DC) Gordon Irikefe of the Metropolitan Police.
• Incident Details: Threw a lit pyrotechnic device (flare) into the crowd at Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal UEFA Champions League match on April 17, 2024.
• Additional Misconduct: Wore a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium, violating local regulations; fined €100 by German authorities.
• Misconduct Hearing: Found guilty of breaching professional behavior standards (discreditable conduct).
• Outcome: Dismissed without notice on February 20, 2025.
• Official Statement: Detective Superintendent Emma Bond emphasized the officer’s behavior was unacceptable, especially for someone in law enforcement.
• Broader Context: The Metropolitan Police has dismissed over 100 officers for gross misconduct in the past three years as part of efforts to restore public trust.
The dismissal of DC Gordon Irikefe underscores the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to maintaining professional standards and public trust. His actions at the Arsenal-Bayern Munich match not only violated local regulations but also brought the force into disrepute. This case serves as a reminder that police officers are expected to uphold the law both on and off duty. With over 100 officers dismissed for gross misconduct in recent years, the Met continues to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach toward unacceptable behavior within its ranks.
Attached is a news article regarding the dismissal of a met police officer who throws a flare at an Arsenal game
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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