National government deny congratulating Arsenal and threaten offender with imprisonment

The government of Malawi has been forced to issue a statement denying that its president congratulated Arsenal for their Premier League title success.

The Gunners were crowned champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

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City played out a 1-1 draw on the south coast, a result that saw Arsenal win their first top-flight title since the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign.

Arsenal supporters flocked to the Emirates on Tuesday night to celebrate their domestic triumph, while Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice were among those spotted outside the stadium at 5am on Wednesday morning.

And a statement claiming to be from Malawi president Professor Arthur Mutharika did the rounds in the wake of Arsenal’s success.

However, the Malawi government has since claimed that the post was false and has threatened the author with a fine or imprisonment.

“The Government wishes to clarify that His Excellency the State President, Professor Arthur Mutharika, has not issued a congratulatory message for Arsenal Football Club for winning the 2025/26 English Premier League contrary to a poster making rounds on social media,” the statement began.

“The congratulatory message is false, malicious, disrespectful and trivializing the Presidency.

“The Government, therefore, demands the author of the poster to remove the name of the State President Professor Arthur Mutharika from the list of those sending their congratulatory messages.

“The Government further warns the public that using someone’s name, let alone the President’s name, without their consent is a violation of the law.

“Offenders, once identified, will face full legal prosecution, which may result in substantial fines or imprisonment.”

In the wake of Arsenal’s success, a host of famous fans, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, praised the newly-crowned champions.

“22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we’re back where we belong. Champions!” he posted on X.

Die-hard Gunners supporter Piers Morgan, meanwhile, published a series of posts on X, one of which read: “5 times the bridesmaid. Tonight, finally, THE BRIDE.”

Morgan also appeared on talkSPORT following Arsenal’s title success demanding an apology from pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

“Gabby, what about a public apology to me and Arsenal fans,” the TV personality requested earlier this week.

As gracious as ever, Agbonlahor held his hands up and said: “I apologise for mocking you and calling you bottlers!”

Arsenal see out the Premier League season at Crystal Palace on Sunday before the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30.

Mikel Arteta’s men are out to win their first major European trophy when they take on holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.

Regardless of the result, the Gunners will parade the Premier League trophy around north London the following day, before players are released for World Cup duty.