Monday 9 May 2022 11:53 PM Manchester United guard sacked after watching TV in director's box loses racial ... trends now
A Manchester United security guard who was sacked after watching TV in a director's box and sleeping in the control room of Old Trafford stadium has had his lawsuit for racial discrimination thrown out.
Father-of-three Tayo Otokiti slept on duty just days after a cleaner found him relaxing inside the executive box in an area known as the 'Tower of Power'.
Nigerian-born Mr Otokiti, in his 40s, was transferred to the stadium after a previous disciplinary for watching TV in a coach's office at the club's training ground at Carrington.
The fervent United fan was dismissed for gross misconduct and neglect of duty but he later took legal action against his bosses at Controlls Solution Group, which provides security services for the football club.
He claimed racial discrimination and unfair dismissal but a tribunal in Manchester rejected his claims after it emerged a white member of staff had also been fired for sleeping on duty.
Tayo Otokiti slept on duty just days after a cleaner found him watching television inside an executive box at old Trafford stadium
Mr Otokiti, in his 40s, had moved to work at the stadium after a previous furore over him watching TV in a coach's office at the club's training ground at Carrington
Mr Otokiti, a former finance manager, had initially been taken on in 2012 as one of 800 casual staff employed to provide security for the club, its players and staff.
In April 2017, he was given a permanent job at the Carrington site and the following year was promoted to night-time security supervisor.
Mr Otokiti lost his racial discrimination claim after it was heard a white staff member was also fired for sleeping on duty
His troubles began in May 2019 when he was invited to meet a senior colleague to discuss an allegation he had neglected his duty by watching TV in a United coach's office.
During the meeting, Mr Otokiti was also informed that his 'approach' to the staff member who reported him could bring the company into disrepute and later he was moved to Old Trafford at the request of the club.
No details of the bust-up were given but the guard was given his first and final formal warning for serious misconduct.
At Old Trafford, Mr Otokiti was given the job of patrolling the stadium's stands
