Declan Rice was subjected to boos during the EFL Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The England international may have been surprised to be met with jeers inside the Three Lions' home ground.
The Gunners, who lead City in the Premier League title race, went into the major final hoping to win their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020. Rice lined up in the middle of the park alongside Martin Zubimendi and Kai Havertz, looking to continue his impressive campaign.
However, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville noticed audible boos from supporters inside the stadium during the first half. It even prompted the Manchester United legend to call for action to be taken live on air.
Declan Rice Jeered Inside Wembley Stadium
Declan Rice
With the game still in the balance at 0-0, Rice trotted out to the left-hand touchline to attempt to launch a long throw-in into the Citizens' penalty area. However, the amount of time the Englishman took left many inside the stadium frustrated.
That's where the boos came from, and they quickly caught Neville's attention. The defender-turned-pundit demanded something to be done about how long players of all teams - not just Arsenal - take on set-pieces in the modern game. He said (per The Express):
"There are boos from the City fans, I think something is going to have to change.
"Not because of Arsenal, this is happening up and down the country, but the amount of time being taken on set-pieces is too much."
Kepa Arrizabalaga Suffers EFL Cup Final Nightmare
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Mikel Arteta made one change that didn't pay off for the cup final. Kepa Arrizabalaga was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI ahead of the impressive David Raya. The Spaniard looked shaky throughout and eventually handed City the opening goal.
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Moments after almost gifting Jeremy Doku a clear chance at goal, Kepa failed to claim a simple cross into the box. After flapping at the ball, he inadvertently guided it into the path of Nico O'Reilly, who tapped home from close range. Just moments later, the young Englishman found the net again as Pep Guardiola's side sailed to a 2-0 win.