Arsenal Honors 14-Year-Old Fan Killed in Samurai Sword Attack

Arsenal Football Club paid a heartfelt tribute to Daniel Anjorin, a 14-year-old British-Nigerian fan who was tragically murdered in a samurai sword attack in Hainault, London, on Tuesday. The club honored Anjorin's memory during their home game against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with over 60,000 fans participating in a minute's applause in the 14th minute.

Anjorin, a boyhood Arsenal fan and admirer of Bukayo Saka, was killed on his way to school when a man crashed his van and stabbed five people. Four others were injured in the attack, including a heroic female police officer who almost lost a hand. Anjorin's school, Bancroft's, described him as a "true scholar" with a "positive nature and gentle character."

Why this matters: This tragic incident highlights the growing concern about violent crime and knife attacks in the UK, which has seen a significant increase in recent years. The senseless murder of a young boy on his way to school also raises questions about community safety and the need for effective measures to prevent such incidents.

Arsenal posted a statementahead of the match, revealing plans to honor Anjorin before kick-off, with the blessing of his family. "We share in the shock and sadness of Daniel Anjorin's death earlier this week,"Arsenal said. "With his family's blessing, we will make a tribute to Daniel shortly ahead of kick off. "A big picture of the young fan appeared on the screen at the Emirates during the 14th-minute applause.

The club has been in close contact with the police family liaison officer working on the case to offer the victim's family their support. In less than two days, almost 5,000 people have donated to a fundraiser for Anjorin's family, raising over £95,000. A candlelit vigil will also be held at Hainault's Underground Station on Sunday.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, has been accused of Anjorin's murder, along with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article. Monzo appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Tributes have poured in for the young Arsenal fan on social media. "RIP Daniel. [The] Arsenal family will always remember you, little Gunner," Arsenal supporter davidcarrol1 posted. Bournemouth fans also joined in the tribute, with TommaxMw posting, "Of course we will join in. What is this country coming to. It's unbelievable what's happening on our streets."

Daniel Anjorin attended Bancroft's School in Woodford Green, the same school as Grace O'Malley-Kumar, a medical student who was murdered in a knife attack in Nottingham last summer. The tragic loss of this promising young fan has deeply affected the Arsenal community and beyond, with the club and supporters coming together to honor his memory and support his grieving family.

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal FC paid tribute to 14-year-old fan Daniel Anjorin, murdered in a samurai sword attack in London.
• Anjorin was killed on his way to school, with 4 others injured, including a heroic female police officer.
• Arsenal held a minute's applause in the 14th minute of their game against Bournemouth, with over 60,000 fans participating.
• A fundraiser for Anjorin's family has raised over £95,000, with a candlelit vigil to be held on Sunday.
• A 36-year-old man has been accused of Anjorin's murder and will appear in court on Tuesday.