Arsenal Fans Arrested In Uganda
an arsenal fan being arrested by police in the streets of jinja/ courtesy
At least eight Arsenal fans have been arrested in Jinja, Uganda after celebrating the club’s win against Manchester United in the English Premier League. Arsenal Won 3-2
The fans were wearing the club’s red jersey and carrying a symbolic trophy.
According to police, the fans did not have a permit to hold the procession which is a public order offence.
The Gunners fans were travelling in a convoy of five vehicles on Monday morning when they were stopped by police. One of them was carrying a trophy they had bought at a local store.
“I don’t know what we have done but we were simply celebrating our victory over rivals Manchester United,” Arsenal fan Baker Kasule is quoted as said by the local Daily Monitor news site.
James Mubi, the regional police boss, told the BBC he had not reviewed the fans’ charges but wondered why they were celebrating when only half of the matches in the season had been played.
“What would happen if an altercation with rival fans broke out? They did not inform police to provide security for their procession,” Mr Mubi said, dismissing the suggestion that the arrest was linked to the frequent arrest of members of an opposition party who also wear red.
Rights groups say the Public Order Management Act has given police discretionary powers that have been used to stifle citizens’ rights.
Arsenal and Manchester United enjoy huge support in Uganda, and across Africa, and when they play makeshift video halls in Uganda are always packed to the rafters.
The result gave the Gunners a five-point cushion at the top of the table, giving hope to fans around the world that the club could end its 19-year wait to win the English Premier League
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