Police Officer Dismissed for Tragedy Chanting at Football Match
In a striking example of accountability within the ranks of law enforcement, a police officer from Essex has been sacked for engaging in offensive chanting during a Premier League football match. Sergeant Tyler Coppin, who served with Essex Police, pleaded guilty to a public order offense after participating in tragedy chanting directed at Liverpool fans during a match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 20. The incident, which was witnessed by club stewards, led to Coppin being ejected from the stadium and subsequently arrested by local police. In December, he was handed a three-year football banning order, along with fines and costs totaling £645.
The misconduct case against Coppin was heard by a panel chaired by Essex Police’s Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington. The panel determined that Coppin had violated professional standards related to honesty, integrity, authority, respect, and discreditable conduct. As a result, he was dismissed from the force without notice and added to the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from serving in law enforcement in the future. While acknowledging Coppin’s remorse and his previously unblemished policing record, the chief constable emphasized that the officer’s actions were unacceptable. "This is the only appropriate outcome," Harrington stated, adding that such behavior undermines public trust and confidence in the police. He also stressed that officers, who are responsible for upholding the law, cannot themselves break it.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the role of police officers in maintaining public trust and the consequences of their actions when they fail to meet ethical standards. While Coppin’s actions were characterized as "a moment’s serious stupidity," the chief constable made it clear that such lapses in judgment have serious repercussions. The case serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of law enforcement officials and the need for accountability, even when officers are off-duty.
The term "tragedy chanting" refers to the practice of singing, chanting, or gesturing about disasters or tragic events involving players or fans. Such behavior is widely condemned for being offensive and insensitive, and it has been a persistent issue in football culture for decades. The Crown Prosecution Service has explicitly defined tragedy chanting as a form of offensive behavior that can lead to legal consequences, including fines and banning orders.
This incident comes against a backdrop of similar controversies in English football. Just days before Coppin’s misconduct hearing, Leeds United accused a section of Millwall fans of singing "vile chants" during an FA Cup tie at Elland Road. The chants allegedly referenced the murders of two Leeds United fans, Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus, who were killed in Istanbul in 2000 before a UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray. Leeds United issued a statement condemning the chants, describing them as "highly offensive" and calling for action to be taken against those responsible.
The two incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing offensive and discriminatory behavior in football stadiums. While progress has been made in recent years to improve stadium safety and promote inclusivity, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues that still exist within certain sections of football fandom. Both cases underscore the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, whether they are fans or law enforcement officers, and the need for a collective effort to create a more respectful and inclusive environment in football.
In reflecting on these events, it is clear that the consequences of offensive behavior extend far beyond the stadium. For Sergeant Tyler Coppin, his involvement in tragedy chanting has not only ended his policing career but also damaged the reputation of the force he served. For the fans involved in such chants, the harm caused to victims’ families and communities is immeasurable. As football continues to grapple with these issues, the hope is that incidents like these will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering a culture of respect and accountability that extends to all aspects of the game.
