McAvennie blasts Yarmolenko as camera catches reaction to West Ham goal v Kidderminster
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has told Andriy Yarmolenko to “shut up” after he was spotted moaning about Declan Rice’s last-minute goal for West Ham in their FA Cup win over Kidderminster.
Rice, 22, popped up with a stoppage-time leveller at Aggborough to send the tie to extra-time, which David Moyes’ sent went on to score again in and win the match.
After Rice’s goal, replays show Yarmolenko at the back-post throwing his arms up in the air, seemingly unhappy with the England midfielder’s failure to squad the ball across to him instead of scoring.
Footage has led to widespread criticism of Yarmolenko, who’d earlier dived in a bid to win a penalty against the National League North club.
McAvennie has seen the footage of Yarmolenko’s petulance over Rice’s goal and cannot understand his reaction.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I saw that.
“Rice could have squared it, of course he could have. But it’s one of them.
“He scored but if he didn’t score, Yarmolenko would be right to have a go. But Rice scores so I don’t get why the boy’s moaning.
“The boy’s scored – you can’t have a go at him when he’s scored. Shut up.”
Yarmolenko is out of contract in the summer and was left on the bench for West Ham’s 1-0 win over Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
He’s not started a single league match this season but has managed 21 appearances across all competitions, mainly as a substitute.
In other West Ham news, Kaveh Solhekol has shared what he’s been doing about whether Kurt Zouma will be sacked.