Declan Rice received a hostile reception from West Ham fans during Arsenal’s dominant 5-2 victory at the London Stadium.
Rice, who left West Ham for Arsenal in a £105 million deal last year, was booed by the supporters during the match, particularly after Arsenal’s goals.
His celebration, which included expressing his satisfaction after scoring and assisting, sparked discontent among the fans who felt betrayed by his move to a rival club.
Despite his contributions to West Ham’s success in the past, many supporters felt his celebration was disrespectful, with one fan calling it “disrespectful” during a talkSPORT radio phone-in.
This reaction highlights the deep-rooted emotions of fans when players leave their club, especially to join a direct rival.
The emotional reaction from West Ham supporters was also evident on social media, where fans voiced their frustrations over Rice’s choice to move to Arsenal. Some fans expressed disappointment over his decision to join a London rival, particularly after he had the option to join Manchester City.
Many felt that his move to Arsenal undermined the loyalty he once demonstrated, with one fan stating that they would have supported him had he chosen any other club except for Arsenal or Spurs.
The controversy surrounding Rice’s departure continues to affect his relationship with the West Ham fanbase, despite his previous contributions to the team.
Rice’s celebration, and the subsequent fan reactions, reflect a deeper sense of betrayal within West Ham supporters, who feel his departure to a rival club was unnecessary.
Many feel that had he joined another team, particularly Manchester City, his move would have been viewed more favorably.
However, by choosing Arsenal, a direct competitor in the Premier League, Rice has become a polarizing figure for his former fans.