A manhunt is underway after an Arsenal fan was allegedly beaten to death in Uganda on the day the club celebrated their Premier League title win. Police said the suspect in Sunday's incident is thought to be a Manchester United supporter. Mikel Arteta's side clinched Arsenal's first top-flight crown in 22 years and ended the season with a 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, triggering jubilant scenes among fans throughout Uganda, where the club commands a massive following.
However, a 34-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, identified only as Denis, died in the capital Kampala following an alleged confrontation. Denis had reportedly been watching the match at a viewing centre in his home suburb of Bakuli. Kampala police spokeswoman Rachel Kawala said: "The incident occurred at about 6.30pm on Sunday. Preliminary reports indicate that Denis – who was reportedly an Arsenal FC supporter – got into a misunderstanding with a man.
"His name is Musiramu, and he is said to be a fan of Manchester United. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the suspect allegedly struck Denis on the head. It caused him to fall to the ground, and die instantly. Efforts to trace and arrest the suspect are ongoing."
Premier League football commands a substantial following in Uganda, with crowds routinely congregating at viewing centres to watch matches on large screens.
Yet football rivalries have also been connected to a string of violent episodes in the East African nation. Local newspaper Nile Post said: "The incident has raised fresh concerns over violent confrontations arising from football rivalries.
"Especially in urban communities, where supporters often gather to watch matches."
Arsenal players celebrated in London at at the Emirates on the night they won the title, when Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth, and again on the Crystal Palace pitch following their victory at Selhurst Park.
Speaking after the win against Palace, Arteta said: "It’s very difficult to put it into words, but what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. I think the manner in which it was done represents what these guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.
"It is different. It was magical the other night and what we've done this afternoon here, I would say it's even better because all the staff are there, everybody is touching it. You see the joy of the players, our supporters, the way they are behaving with the team, and of course, the families are around as well and it brings something else.
2I think now we need to go through the motions and do what we've done all season, which is win football matches. If we win one more, we are the champions of Europe - as simple as that. And the rest will come."