Popular Nigerian pastor and gospel artiste, Dolapo Lawal, has apologised after facing criticism over comments he made about English football club Arsenal F.C. and its supporters.
The controversy began after a video of the cleric went viral on social media, where he claimed Arsenal would never win the league title because the club was “cursed.”
According to him, he did not need any prophecy to know the club could not become champions, regardless of their lead on the table.
The pastor also sparked outrage when he advised women not to date Arsenal supporters, describing it as a “bad sign.”
His remarks drew reactions from football fans and social media users, many of whom accused him of using the church altar for unnecessary football banter and offensive comments.
Several users on X criticised the pastor, insisting he should apologise publicly to Arsenal fans. Some argued that religious leaders should focus on preaching spiritual messages rather than making divisive football statements.
One user described the comments as irresponsible and disrespectful, while another said the pastor crossed the line by pronouncing curses on football supporters during a church service.
Following the backlash and Arsenal’s recent success, the cleric released an apology video, explaining that his comments were intended as banter.
In the video, he congratulated Arsenal and appealed to anyone offended by his earlier remarks to forgive him. He also jokingly encouraged women to date Arsenal fans and invited supporters of the club to a special thanksgiving service at his church.
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