West Ham United v Arsenal: Sky Sports reporter makes ‘surprising’ Declan Rice admission
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has admitted he found it “a little bit surprising” to hear Declan Rice jeered when West Ham last hosted Arsenal.
Rice was given a mixed reception on his first return to London Stadium as an Arsenal player for the Irons’ Carabao Cup win in November.
The former West Ham fan favourite is in line to start on Sunday (11 February) when the sides meet again, this time in the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports News from Rush Green, Bridge said [9 February, 15:30]: “Declan Rice has already been here as an Arsenal player.
“There was mostly cheers for him, but also the odd groan which was a little bit surprising.”
What reception will Declan Rice get as an Arsenal player?
This was something that was widely discussed three months ago, with some wondering why Rice was booed by a minority of West Ham fans.
It has to be said that more fans applauded Rice, or simply remained quiet, than those that jeered, but those boos are easier to hear.
Rice was a brilliant servant for West Ham and gave supporters the night of their lives in June’s Europa Conference League final.
However, he has since moved on and helped bring in over £100million, which the club put to good use in the summer transfer window.
There will be less focus on Rice this time around as the clubs have already played twice this season, while the midfielder is likely to start rather than come on as a substitute.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but hopefully any jeers will not be the main talking point coming out of the game as it surprisingly was back in November.
In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher has offered his score prediction ahead of the meeting with Arsenal.
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