Soccer enthusiasts in Botswana who support Arsenal believed they had extra cause for celebration when their team claimed its first Premier League championship in over two decades – a supposed government-declared day off work.
However, officials in Botswana quickly dismissed a circulating announcement that promised Wednesday as a public holiday in honor of the victory, calling it completely fabricated.
Botswana’s government shared the fraudulent document on X, marking it with red “FAKE” text overlay. Officials clarified in their post: “No, there is no holiday for Arsenal fans.”
The bogus announcement that spread across social media included authentic-looking elements such as the Republic of Botswana’s official coat of arms and presidential office markings. It claimed President Duma Boko had granted the holiday to recognize Arsenal supporters for their “passion, loyalty and unwavering support.”
Observant supporters might have spotted a telltale sign of the document’s fraudulent nature – it bore Sunday’s date of May 17. Arsenal only secured their championship victory on Tuesday following Manchester City’s 1-1 tie with Bournemouth.
A social media user jokingly suggested on X that the phony announcement might have originated from a Manchester United supporter.
