Fan Violence Escalates After Arsenal Victory in Uganda

A fan of Arsenal was shot dead in Uganda after the team’s victory over Manchester United, during a celebration that turned violent. The incident involved a confrontation between fans and a security guard, leading to multiple shots fired. Police are investigating the situation, calling for information on the guard and restaurant manager involved, amid ongoing concerns about domestic fan violence related to football.

A 30-year-old Arsenal fan was fatally shot by a security guard in Uganda during a celebration of Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United. This incident occurred in Lukaya, approximately 100 kilometers from Kampala, right after Arsenal won the match 2-0. The local restaurant manager reportedly became angered by the noise from the celebrating fans and sought the guard’s help to quieten them down, which escalated into violence.

Witnesses reported that the restaurant manager turned off the power, provoking further noise from the fans. In response, the guard is alleged to have fired multiple shots into the crowd, resulting in the death of John Ssenyonga and injuries to another fan, Lawrence Mugejera, who was taken to the hospital. Both the guard and the restaurant manager are currently being sought by the police.

According to police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye, weapons were recovered from the scene and an appeal was made for anyone with information to come forward. He condemned the events and urged fans to manage their excitement during matches. Violence among football fans, particularly regarding English teams, has been a recurring issue in Uganda, with previous incidents also leading to fatalities. For example, in October, an Arsenal fan was attacked with a knife after a match against Liverpool, and other violent occurrences linked to football rivalries have been reported over the past year.

The death of John Ssenyonga highlights ongoing issues of fan violence in Uganda’s football culture, particularly surrounding English Premier League matches. Increased police attention is needed to mitigate the risks of such incidents in the future, and it is essential for fans to control their celebrations to avoid further escalation.

Original Source: www.bbc.com