Police in Kabale District in Western Uganda are hunting for an Arsenal Football Club fan after he allegedly assaulted a Manchester United fan leading to his death.
The Sunday evening incident at Kyobugombe Trading Centre inKaharo Sub County of Kabale District happened after Arsenal was held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool during the English Premier League match at the former's home, Emirates Stadium.
Kaharo Sub County LClll Chairperson, Mr Edmond Tumwesigye,identifed the suspect only as Onan in his 30s, while the deceased isBenjamin Okello, both residents of Katenga Parish in Kaharo SubCounty of Kabale District.
“I received information yesterday (Monday) morning that 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 where he died from, A scuffle started in a video hall at Kyobugombe trading centre where they were watching a football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. When Liverpool scored an equalizer in the 8th minute, the Manchester United fan the deceased started jubilating and this angered the Arsenal fan. He(Man Utd 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" Mr Tumwesigye narrated,
The District Police Commander (DPC), Mr Joseph Bakaleke saidthey are yet to arrest the suspect who is said to be on the run.
“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, lt is alleged that when the assaulted] one was taken to the hospital later alone, he met his death," Mr Bakalekesaid.
He said: “We have tried to encourage the relatives of the deceased to be calm down, as we continue to hunt for the other one who is alleged to have participated in the fight, to explain what exactly happened, as well as get information from those who were present to aid the investigations in the matter.
Mr Bakaleke told Monitor that on Monday evening, they held a community security meeting that was attended by the deceased family and community members and leaders aimed at encouraging the public to be calm as investigations into the cause of the death of their member continues.
Katanga LCl Chairperson, Edward Byabasheija, said the suspect on the run is a notorious criminal who is accused of terrorizing the area.