An Essex police officer has been dismissed after admitting to engaging in “tragedy chanting” directed at Liverpool fans during a Premier League match last year.
Misconduct proceedings were launched against Sgt Tyler Coppin following his guilty plea to a public order offence that took place during Liverpool’s match against Chelsea at Anfield in October.
As a result of his actions, Coppin was handed a three-year football banning order and required to pay £645 in fines and costs. He was witnessed by stewards chanting towards Liverpool supporters before being removed from the stands and subsequently arrested.
On Friday, a misconduct panel, led by Essex police chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington, ruled that Coppin had violated professional standards concerning honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct. Consequently, he was dismissed from the force without notice and placed on the College of Policing barred list.
Tragedy chanting refers to fans singing, chanting, or gesturing offensive messages about disasters or accidents involving players or supporters.
Harrington acknowledged that Coppin had previously maintained an unblemished record but emphasized that his dismissal was necessary due to the seriousness of his actions. “A moment’s serious stupidity” had led to his removal, the chief constable stated, noting that while Coppin showed remorse, his criminal conviction for a public order offence made the decision unavoidable.
“His actions will seriously undermine public trust and confidence, and I must send a clear message to officers, staff, and the wider public that behaviour such as this cannot and will not be tolerated in policing,” Harrington said. “If officers are responsible for upholding the law, it cannot be right that they break it.”
Ch Insp Kevin Chatterton of Merseyside police reiterated that such behaviour has no place in football. “We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others,” he said.
Chelsea FC has previously condemned hateful chanting, stating on its website that it has “no place in football.” Last season, Arsenal supported the issuance of three-year banning orders to three of its fans who admitted to tragedy-related abuse during an FA Cup match against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
