A Met police officer is fired after disorderly conduct at Arsenal games, including throwing fireworks and offensive chanting.
He worked for the Central South Command Unit and was caught at a Bayern Munich versus Arsenal game. Irikefe attended court regarding Arsenal matches. These incidents occurred between October 2022 and April 2024. He showed disorderly and anti-social behavior.
His supervisor, Emma Bond, commented on his behavior, stating he failed upholding the highest standards. His behavior cost him his job. The police held a hearing about his actions.
He threw a firework into a crowd in Munich while off duty. German police arrested Irikefe that same day. He wore a balaclava and sunglasses and paid a 100 Euro fine for concealing his identity.
The hearing decided his conduct was gross misconduct. He broke the professional behavior standards. Irikefe resigned in February, but his notice period meant he was still an officer. He was dismissed without notice, and the Met’s Football Unit requested the football ban.
The court learned of Irikefe’s past behavior. He chanted about a helicopter crash at a game, referencing a Leicester City owner’s death. He also made rude gestures and shouted abuse at a player. He concealed his face and intimidated fans with fireworks.
The court granted the ban. He cannot attend regulated UK matches for three years and must surrender his passport for foreign matches. He cannot go near Arsenal’s stadium on game days, nor can he visit away game locations during game times. National games are also restricted.
Irikefe will be on a barred list, maintained by the College of Policing. People on this list cannot work for police or related services.