Violence Erupts in Kano Over Arsenal, Real Madrid UCL Quarter Final Results
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that tensions flared in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday night as a heated football rivalry turned violent following the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the chaos erupted after Arsenal’s commanding 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of the quarterfinals, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory and earning the English club its first appearance in the semifinals in 16 years.
OTN News observes that while the result thrilled Arsenal supporters, it infuriated some Real Madrid fans, leading to a violent confrontation in the streets.
According to information gathered by OTN News, the altercation began shortly after the final whistle, when celebrations among Arsenal fans clashed with the disappointment of Madrid supporters.
OTN News further observes that verbal exchanges reportedly turned into a physical exchanges, with groups of young men seen throwing punches and stones at one another.
A viral video posted on Facebook by user Mustapha Muhd Gujba Banker, documented the chaotic scenes.
The footage showed chaotic scenes of shouting, fighting, and stone-throwing between fans clad in their respective club jerseys.
According to the video’s caption, the clash was sparked by taunting remarks from jubilant Arsenal fans that provoked the agitated Madrid supporters.
OTN News however reports that as of Thursday morning, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident, which remains unclear if any arrests were made or if there were any injuries sustained during the violence.
OTN News however, observes that the incident underscores the passionate, and sometimes volatile, nature of football fandom in Nigeria, where club loyalties often run deep and matches involving top European teams regularly draw intense local interest.
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