NO PARADE! Malawi police frustrate Gunners
“Is the officer in charge a Man Utd or Man City supporter?” furious fans demand answers after Arsenal celebrations are blocked
Arsenal supporters in Lilongwe have been left stunned and frustrated after police reportedly blocked their planned victory parade by refusing to provide security.
The supporters, who call themselves the Arsenal Fans Malawi Chapter, announced that the highly anticipated parade, scheduled for May 30, had been cancelled following guidance from the Lilongwe District Commissioner after a stakeholders’ meeting.
According to organisers, Malawi Police Service officials said they could not spare officers because of preparations linked to the upcoming Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) meetings in June.
“As law-abiding citizens, we have no choice but to comply with the Police directive. However, we cannot ignore the frustration this decision has caused among supporters who had mobilised in good faith, and who expected their unity and excitement to be celebrated rather than curtailed,” reads part of a statement issued by the grouping.
But angry supporters say the explanation does not add up, pointing out that the parade date falls days before the regional meetings begin.
“We feel robbed of our moment,” complained one supporter. “Is the officer in charge a Manchester United or Manchester City fan? Because this decision makes no sense to us.”
The committee said it had reluctantly complied with the directive despite disappointment among hundreds of Arsenal fans who had already mobilised for the celebrations.
The cancellation has also raised questions over funds contributed towards the event, with organisers saying discussions on the way forward will take place soon.
Despite the setback, the supporters insist their passion for Arsenal remains strong and vowed that the Gunners’ spirit in Malawi “will remain loud and visible.”
Meanwhile, supporters of rival clubs welcomed the decision, with some mocking Arsenal fans on social media. Others joked that, with recent viral images allegedly showing suspected thieves wearing Arsenal jerseys, police may have feared chaos in the capital.
“Police yathu yawona kuti izakhala pampani-pampani olimbana ndi mbava masauzande zochita mdipiti mu Lilongwe… Nanga mmene amabera ma supporter a Aseno yaumphawi muja m’dziko muno, nde achite parade ali limodzi, mwati sazaswa ma shop a anthu? (Our police have realised the parade would turn into a chaotic cat-and-mouse game against thousands of thieves roaming around Lilongwe. And considering how Arsenal supporters of this poverty-stricken team steal in this country, if they parade together, do you think they won’t break into people’s shops?)” joked Aubrey Kusakala.
