A viral social media post claiming that the Botswana Government had declared a public holiday for Arsenal supporters has been dismissed as fake after the official BWgovernment Facebook page rubbished the circulating statement.
The post, shared on the verified BWgovernment page, carried the bold caption: “NO, THERE IS NO HOLIDAY FOR ARSENAL FANS.” It also displayed a large red “FAKE” stamp across the fabricated press release.
The fake statement had alleged that the Government of Botswana intended to grant Arsenal supporters a day off to celebrate the club’s supposed English Premier League triumph.
According to the fabricated document, Arsenal fans across Botswana were allegedly being encouraged to take Wednesday off work in recognition of the team’s success.
However, the Botswana Government quickly distanced itself from the claim, warning the public against spreading misinformation online.
The humorous nature of the fake announcement sparked widespread reactions on social media, with thousands engaging with the post through comments, shares and reactions.
Football rivalries, particularly involving English Premier League clubs, often dominate online conversations across Southern Africa, where support for teams such as Arsenal, Manchester
United, Chelsea and Liverpool runs deep.
The incident also highlights the growing challenge governments and institutions face in combating fake news and doctored documents circulating on social media platforms.
