Arsenal Fan Shot Dead While Celebrating Win Over Manchester United in Uganda
A celebration turned tragic in Uganda when an Arsenal football fan, 30-year-old John Ssenyonga, was reportedly shot and killed by a security guard.
The shooting happened during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in a restaurant in Lukaya town, about 100km from Kampala. Another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, was injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital.
According to the BBC, trouble started when the noise from jubilant Arsenal fans upset the manager of the building. He reportedly instructed the security guard to calm the fans down.
Witnesses told the BBC that when the fans ignored the warnings, the manager shut off the restaurant’s electricity, further provoking the crowd, who responded with louder cheers.
It was at this point that the security guard allegedly fired multiple shots into the crowd, killing Ssenyonga on the spot. The BBC adds that both the security guard and the building manager fled the scene, and police are actively searching for them. A gun was recovered from the scene, according to regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye.
Kasirye, quoted by the BBC, urged fans to celebrate responsibly and called on anyone with information to help the police track down the suspects. He condemned the violence, emphasizing that such incidents tarnish the joy of the sport.
The BBC highlights that violence linked to English Premier League matches is not uncommon in Uganda, where the league has a passionate following.
In October, an Arsenal fan stabbed a Manchester United supporter after a heated argument. In January last year, another Arsenal fan in Kampala died from stab wounds after trying to stop a fight when Arsenal lost to Manchester City. Just a week before that, an Arsenal supporter was killed in Adjumani after a dispute following a match.
This tragic pattern raises concerns about the extreme reactions of football fans in Uganda, turning what should be moments of celebration into deadly confrontations.
BBC underscores the need for both fans and authorities to prioritize safety and ensure that sports bring people together rather than divide them.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn08dg00k42o