While there has been great joy surrounding Arsenal's first Premier League title since 2004, the scenes of jubilation appear to have sparked something much darker. Indeed, a fan of the Gunners has reportedly been killed by a Manchester United supporter amid the celebrations.
After three years of second-place finishes, Mikel Arteta was finally able to get his team across the line. Arsenal ended the season seven points ahead of Manchester City, as they lifted the trophy at Selhurst Park after a win at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Wild scenes of joyful fans have been shown all across the globe, but an incident in Uganda has shown a violent side to the sport's fandom.
Suspect Believed to be Man Utd Supporter as Arsenal Fan Killed
Arsenal lift Premier League trophy
Arsenal lift Premier League trophy
As per the Daily Star, a manhunt has now been launched after an Arsenal fan was allegedly beaten to death by a rival fan. The alleged killing is said to have taken place in Uganda on the day the club celebrated its Premier League title triumph.
Local police have claimed that the suspect is believed to be a Manchester United supporter.
Arsenal lifted their first top-flight trophy in 22 years following a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, but on the very same day, a 34-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, identified only as Denis, died in the capital Kampala after an alleged altercation.
In the hours leading up to his death, Denis had reportedly been watching the match at a viewing centre in his home suburb of Bakuli.
Premier League trophy
Premier League trophy
Police from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, have now released a statement on the matter, with spokeswoman Rachel Kawala saying:
"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.”
Commenting on the event, which has reportedly led to a manhunt in the area, local newspaper Nile Post spoke of how football rivalries can led to vioclence in the East African country:
“The incident has raised fresh concerns over violent confrontations arising from football rivalries. Especially in urban communities, where supporters often gather to watch matches."
Premier League football is very popular in Uganda, with crowds regularly gathering at viewing centres to watch matches on big screens – as was the case for Denis, who was watching Arsenal before his death.