Last year, more than 28,000 migrants and refugees made the crossing from mainland Europe to the UK. The arrival of migrants on rickety boats has been a source of tension between France and the UK, especially after 27 migrants drowned when their dinghy deflated in November.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans today to tackle people smuggling-gangs and increase British operations in the English Channel with the navy handling that.’From today, the Royal Navy will take over operational command from Border Force in the Channel with the aim that no boat makes it to the UK undetected,’ Johnson said in a speech announcing a plan to send those who made the crossing to – Rwanda.”Visit Rwanda” sponsorship deal is another problem for ArsenalAnd now, with that – Arsenal are facing pressure from supporters to sever ties with shirt-sleeve sponsor Visit Rwanda in light of the UK government’s new partnership with the African country to address illegal immigration.The Gunners initially signed a three-year deal in 2018 worth a reported 40 million USD with the Rwanda Development Board but extended that last year.A new four-year deal worth up to 13 million USD a year was agreed for the start of this season too – according to Football.London.Newcastle sign a great Brazilian from Lyon and are pushing for another – but Arsenal want him tooIrrespective of the financial offerings to their club, fans are calling for the north London outfit to cease all links with Visit Rwanda.’Given the news today I’m politely asking @Arsenal to remove the Visit Rwanda patches from their kits and reject all forms of sportswashing,’ wrote one fan.’Cancel the Rwanda deal – this is going to blow up’, wrote another directly at the official Arsenal Twitter page.Sat 17:00: (3.90) Southampton (3.50) Arsenal (2.05)Next in action for Mikel Arteta’s side is a trip to the south coast on Saturday – Arsenal face Southampton at St.Mary’s in the Premier League. And as things stand – the Gunners will wear their Visit Rwanda shirt-sleeve sponsor as normal.Football collateral damage: ‘Cancel the deal – this is going to blow up’ – Angry fans call for #Arsenal to end its ‘Visit Rwanda’ shirt-sleeve sponsorship after PM Boris Johnson announced plans to send Channel migrants to the African country pic.twitter.com/HlWNsqHhwA— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) April 14, 2022
