The vibrant atmosphere at a packed Lagos viewing centre turned to frustration and debate over the weekend, as thousands of local football fans witnessed a dramatic and controversial London derby. The MTN EPL Watch Party at the popular Cubana Club in Ikeja was the epicentre of reactions following the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Fiery Derby and Fan Discontent
The match, played at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, was a tense affair. Chelsea's Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow card to a red for a studs-up challenge on Arsenal's Mikel Merino. This made Caicedo the fourth Chelsea player to receive a red card this season.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea took the lead shortly after half-time. Defender Trevoh Chalobah scored with a clever near-post header from a Reece James corner, beating Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. However, Arsenal fought back to equalise minutes later, sealing the final 1-1 scoreline.
Lagos Supporters Voice Their Opinions
For the majority of Blues supporters in attendance, the result felt unjust. They believed their team, showing resilience with a man down, deserved all three points. The officiating, however, became a major point of contention among the crowd.
Speaking to The Guardian after the final whistle, a fan named Hamza did not hold back his criticism. "I feel Chelsea should have won this match outrightly if the referee was fair enough," he stated. "After he gave Caicedo a red card, he should have also issued a red card to an Arsenal player for hitting a Chelsea player on his face. The referee spoiled the match for Chelsea."
Another fan, Samuel Onovare, offered a more balanced but still critical perspective. "I really enjoyed this match. The two teams gave a good account of themselves," he began. "But to be fair to the referee, that red card to Caicedo was a deserved one. My only concern was the referee's failure to issue an Arsenal player the same red card for hitting a Chelsea player on his face. He should have gone to the VAR to have a second look."
A Packed and Colourful Football Carnival
Beyond the on-pitch drama, the MTN EPL Watch Party itself was a massive success in terms of turnout and entertainment. The Cubana Club in Ikeja was jam-packed with thousands of football fans who travelled from various parts of Lagos to enjoy the match collectively.
The event was more than just a screening; it was a full-blown football carnival. The telecommunication giant, MTN, enhanced the experience with energetic performances. A team of female dancers kept the energy high, and popular afrobeat singer Eniola performed, adding significant colour and vibrancy to the already electric atmosphere fueled by passionate fan cheers.
The event underscored the deep passion for the English Premier League in Nigeria and how such watch parties have become a central part of the local football culture, blending sport, music, and community.
