Football banter goes wrong as 22 year old Benjamin Okello loses his life after an incident at Kyobugombe Trading Centre, in Western Uganda.
A Manchester United fan was killed on Sunday, October 27th, by a bitter Arsenal fan following a scuffle when Arsenal was held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool at home.
When Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United supporter Benjamin Okello was celebrating. He threw the Arsenal supporter some pop corn as he celebrated.
This escalated the argument, and after the match ended, the two got into a scuffle that left Benjamin Okello dead after he was hit with a stick.
In a statement, the Kaharo Sub County Chairperson narrated, “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.”
“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,” he added.
The suspect, only identified as Onan, is said to be a notorious criminal who has been terrorising the residents of Kaharo Sub County.
A manhunt has been launched by the police in Kabale District for the Arsenal fan who is on the run.
The district police commander (DPC), Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, said, “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.”
Relatives of the deceased are demanding justice from the police as the victim is still at large.
Police are urging the public and those who were at the scene to come forward and help the police with investigations on this matter as well as finding the suspect at large.
Mr. Bakelele said. “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.”
