A West Ham fan laid into Declan Rice for celebrating against his former side during Arsenal’s 5-2 hammering at the London Stadium.
Rice was not on the scoresheet but was clearly enjoying the celebrations as the goals swarmed in.
Rice celebrated with his teammates during the Arsenal win - and it didn't go down well with everyone
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Rice celebrated with his teammates during the Arsenal win - and it didn't go down well with everyoneCredit: Getty
During the 2023 summer window Arsenal signed Rice for £105m after his UEFA Conference League winning campaign with the Hammers.
Last season, out of respect for his previous club, he did not celebrate after his thunderous strike hit the back of the net in a 6-0 thrashing.
Despite the huge fee received by the club and a European trophy Rice captained the club to, the fans booed him during the 2023/24 campaign.
And they did so during this weekend’s match as the Gunners got off to a quick start thanks to another Gabriel Magalhaes header in the tenth minute.
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As Leandro Trossard scored to make it 2-0 Rice ran over to the Belgian to hug him in delight.
Scenes which annoyed Hammers fans such as one who called into talkSPORT not long after full time.
“Just on Declan Rice, obviously what he done for the club was brilliant but celebrating those goals today and moaning the way he does,” David the West Ham fan.
“It’s just a bit disrespectful, that’s just the way I see it.”
Earlier this year in an interview with ESPN the midfielder said that it would be 'disrespectful' to celebrate against the club.
He said: “The West Ham fans bantered me and I can 100 per cent take that; I played for West Ham for 10 years and I know how they work.
Arsenal moved up to second with their win over West Ham
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Arsenal moved up to second with their win over West HamCredit: Getty
Rice kept it classy against his old side last season after scoring
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Rice kept it classy against his old side last season after scoringCredit: Getty
“When I went over to take the corner, there were a few boos, but there were claps as well. I know my love for them has never changed; their love for me has never changed. It is one of those things where you move on. Obviously I scored a great goal, it was really odd.”
A sumptuous first time effort from outside the box that slashed across an outstretched Lukas Fabianski.
He remained calm and composed with a serious demeanor on his face, one that did not express happiness despite an amazing goal.
Rice continued: “Even speaking about it now, it is weird. A lot of the lads asked me afterwards, 'How does it feel?' It was a bittersweet feeling, really odd.
“I always said I would never celebrate against West Ham and I don't think I ever will. They made me who I am. I spent 10 years there; I owe them a lot.
“I would never ever celebrate; I think that would be really disrespectful. Overall, [it was] a really good day to win and to score, but a bittersweet feeling.”
After the match the midfielder posted a pre-match picture of himself to his Instagram story. He captioned it: “Amazing win today! Always nice to go back and see familiar faces. On to next we go.”
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It was a crucial three points for Mikel Arteta’s side who aim to remain hot on the coattails of Liverpool who sit first in the table.
Julen Lopetegui is back in hot water with fans after this thrashing clouded the memories of their prior win against Newcastle United.
West Ham currently sit 14th on 15 points.