Gambler Loses House On Single Football Bet

African Arsenal fan left in anguish after away day agony.

Last Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford was one with much riding on it. Arsenal were looking to extend their 14-match unbeaten run away from home in all competitions, Manchester United were looking to revive their, so far, faltering campaign and, in Uganda, Henry Dhabasani was hoping to keep a roof over his head. 

Robin van Persie’s relationship with Arsenal’s fans was strained to say the least following his transfer to rivals Manchester United last summer and it is safe to say that the Dutchman will not be getting in to one Arsenal fan’s good books any time soon. 

In the Iganga District of Eastern Uganda, two men are reported to have bet with extremely high stakes on the outcome of the game. Dhabasani, a husband to the three wives and father to five, wagered his 2-bedroom home on the game, backing Arsenal for the win, with Rashid Yiga, who in turn laid down his Toyota Premio car and his wife. 

Robin van Persie’s 27th minute header from a Wayne Rooney corner decided a tense match and in turn lost Dhabasani and his family their house. Supposedly Dhabasani fainted at the final whistle and the story goes, according to The Observer in Uganda, that on the following Monday, fans of Manchester United raided the house, throwing Mr Dhabasani and his family out.

Words by Kieran Hepworth