An Arsenal fan has reportedly killed a Manchester United fan following the outcome of the English Premier League match between the Gunners and Liverpool last Sunday.
Naija News reports that Arsenal and Liverpool played a draw in their last encounter at the Emirate Stadium.
However, a tragic incident occurred in Kyobugombe Trading Centre, Western Uganda, where 22-year-old Benjamin Okello lost his life during an argument with an Arsenal supporter over the outcome of the Sunday evening match.
The altercation reportedly stemmed from celebrations and provocations after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Recall that Mo Salah scored a late equalizer for Liverpool during the match.
A Manchester United fan, Benjamin Okello, celebrated Salah’s goal by throwing popcorn at the Arsenal supporter.
This act intensified the conflict, leading to a physical confrontation after the match concluded.
Unfortunately, Okello succumbed to injuries inflicted by a stick wielded by the Arsenal supporter, who has been identified only as Onan.
The incident was verified by the Chairperson of Kaharo Sub County, who reported receiving information about the altercation early on Monday morning.
“I received information. Yesterday morning (Monday), two men fought on Sunday night in Kyobugombe trading centre, and one of them was rushed to Bukinda Health Centre for treatment and was referred to Rugarama Regional Referral Hospital, where he died,” he stated.
A Ugandan media revealed that the confrontation started in a local video hall, where the fans gathered to watch the match.
“A scuffle started in a video hall at the Kyobugombe trading centre, where they were watching a football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. When Liverpool scored an equaliser in the 81st minute, the Manchester United fan, now deceased, started jubilating, and this angered the Arsenal fan. He (the Manchester United fan) threw popcorn at the Arsenal fan, sparking an argument between the two. After the game, the Arsenal fan picked a stick and hit the Manchester United fan, causing him to fall down,” added the Kahara Sub County Chairperson.
The district police commander (DPC) of Kabale, Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, explained that police received reports about the incident and confirmed that one of the fans later succumbed to his injuries.
“We got information indicating that the two boys who were supporters of two different teams had a scuffle, and in so doing, one assaulted the other. It is alleged that when the assaulted one was taken to the hospital later alone, he met his death,” said Bakaleke.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information or who observed the incident to step forward and assist with the investigation.
Family members of Okello are seeking justice, while Mr. Bakaleke has requested that the family remain calm as efforts to locate the suspect are ongoing.
“We have tried to encourage the relatives of the deceased to calm down as we continue to hunt for the other one who is alleged to have participated in the fight to explain exactly what happened, as well as getting information from those who were present to aid the investigations in the matter,” said Bakaleke.