West Ham United: BBC Sport pundit fumes over what he heard fans sing about Declan Rice
Danny Murphy believes the songs West Ham fans sang about Declan Rice in their EFL Cup clash against Arsenal at the London Stadium were “rubbish”.
The Hammers will be looking to reclaim their spot in the Premier League top six and claim their first league win since they recorded a 2-0 over the Gunners on 28 December when they play host to their cross-city neighbours for the third time this season at the London Stadium on Sunday (11 February).
And BBC Match of the Day pundit Murphy writing in his column for the Daily Mail (11 February) shared that he was saddened by how a section of the West Ham fans treated Rice during their 3-1 win against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup on 1 November and should understand his decision as to why he left the club.
He wrote: “The 25-year-old returns today to London Stadium, where he was booed by a section of West Ham fans in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
“It saddened rather than surprised me. There is a minority who judge him solely on joining another London club rather than the years of service he gave West Ham, including lifting a European trophy.
“If anyone deserves a standing ovation going to his former club, it’s Rice and you will hear appreciation towards him from many West Ham fans.
“If a mindless few want to sing songs about him being greedy, that’s rubbish. He wanted the chance to challenge for the biggest trophies, which he deserved.”
What reception will Declan Rice receive in their Premier League clash?
This was something that was widely discussed and debated three months ago with some wondering why Rice was booed by a minority of West Ham fans after all he had achieved at the club since his emergence at the London Stadium.
It has to be said that more fans applauded Rice, or simply remained quiet, than those that jeered, and of course, the boos are always the ones that will be talked about most.
Rice was a brilliant servant for West Ham and gave supporters the night of their lives in June’s Europa Conference League final but it seems some fans are still disappointed at his decision to join Arsenal across town.
However, he has since moved on and helped bring in over £100million, which the club put to good use in the summer transfer window.
Now West Ham possess very capable defensive midfielders in Kalvin Phillips and Edson Alvarez who Rice will of course be up against on Sunday but how will the fans receive him this time?
If Arsenal somehow grab a victory, it may not be a nice reception.
In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher has offered his score prediction ahead of the meeting with Arsenal.
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