KOTA KINABALU: At least three Sabahans flew halfway across the planet as supporters of Arsenal F.C., joining thousands in north London for a massive title parade on May 31, celebrating the club’s long-awaited Premier League triumph.
The parade swept through the Borough of Islington before concluding near Emirates Stadium, with both the men’s and women’s teams appearing on an open-top bus alongside the Premier League trophy.
Organisers estimated the crowd to be more than 800,000, turning the area into a literal ocean of red shirts.
Arsenal sealed the 2025–26 title a week earlier on the final day of the season, defeating Crystal Palace F.C. 2–1 away to finish on 85 points, seven clear of Manchester City F.C.
Sabah Arsenal Supporters (SAS) President, Mohamed Sadik Mohamed Jaafar, said Sabahans were very much part of the global celebration.
“We were already confident. After the 1-0 win against West Ham United F.C., we bought the tickets even before the title was confirmed,” he said.
Three SAS members made the trip, two from Kota Kinabalu and one from Sandakan, soaking in the atmosphere from the night before.
“We watched the Champions League final at a local pub. Even though Arsenal lost, the vibe was still strong.
"The next morning, as early as 8am, you could already see people in Arsenal jerseys everywhere. Shops were closed because they were scared of the crowd,” he said.
He described the celebrations as chaotic but euphoric.
“It felt like there were no rules. People were smoking, drinking in public, even climbing traffic lights and bus stops. But everyone was just happy to celebrate after 22 years.”
Arsenal’s European dream ended in heartbreak a day earlier, losing the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna.
Still, for fans like Sadik, the domestic title was more than enough to justify the trip, which cost roughly RM7,000 for flights, accommodation, transport and food.
SAS which has around 500 members, regularly organises match gatherings, annual dinners and is planning a group trip to Emirates Stadium later this year.
For the uninitiated, Arsenal fans call themselves “Gooners,” a nickname derived from the club’s historic “Gunners” identity, itself linked to the club’s origins with munitions workers in Woolwich.
