Lead pastor of Zoe Household Global Dolapo Lawal has apologised after facing criticism over comments he made about English club Arsenal F.C. and its supporters.
In a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday after Arsenal’s recent victory, Pastor Lawal said his earlier remarks were made in jest.
“Congratulations Arsenal. For anyone that was provoked by my prior banter, accept my apology,” he wrote.
He also added, “Ladies, please date Arsenal guys oo. Date the winners.”
In another follow-up video on Wednesday, he announced a thanksgiving service for Arsenal supporters.
“Arsenal fans, special thanksgiving service for you on Sunday. Come with your jersey. We are going to thank God for you people. This is my public apology,” he said.
Before the apology, a video of the cleric had circulated online in which he said Arsenal would not win the league title.
“Arsenal cannot win it. I said it three months ago that even if the gap is 29 points, Arsenal cannot win it. There is a way you will watch a club, you do not need a prophecy to know that it is cursed,” he said.
He also advised women not to date Arsenal supporters.
“And as a lady, if an Arsenal fan asks you out, it is a bad sign. Do not follow him,” he said.
The remarks led to criticism on social media, with users accusing him of using the pulpit to make football-related comments and generalisations about fans.
Some users described the comments as inappropriate for a religious setting and called for restraint in public statements by religious leaders.
After Arsenal’s win, Dolapo Lawal issued his apology videos and said the earlier comments should not be taken as a serious statement.
