Arsenal football fans in Botswana thought they had another reason to celebrate after the club won its first Premier League title in 22 years: a public holiday.
However, Botswana’s government said a notice announcing that Arsenal fans could take Wednesday off to celebrate the title was fake.
The government posted the so-called official statement on X with the word “FAKE” stamped in red across it. It also wrote: “No, there is no holiday for Arsenal fans.”
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The fake statement circulating online, complete with the Republic of Botswana coat of arms and a stamp from the office of the president, claimed President Duma Boko had rewarded Arsenal fans for their “passion, loyalty and unwavering support”.
However, fans may have noticed one obvious error. The fake statement was dated May 17, a Sunday, while Arsenal’s title was confirmed only on Tuesday after nearest rival Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth.
One X user jokingly suggested that the fake statement may have been issued by a Manchester United fan.
Published on May 20, 2026