A Declan Rice poster has been daubed with sweary graffiti, the word ‘Judas’ and a West Ham symbol ahead of his Arsenal move.
West Ham fans have long known that captain Declan Rice would be leaving this summer and Arsenal finally look set to complete the deal imminently.
The Gunners will pay a British record £105m for the Hammers captain in a move that many West Ham fans find hard to stomach.
While there is no great rivalry between West Ham and Arsenal, Hammers supporters have made it clear they would have found it much more palatable had Rice joined Manchester City or a foreign club.
Rice said he wanted Champions League football and to compete for silverware. And many West Ham fans simply don’t believe Arsenal offer any guarantees on that front beyond at least six matches in Europe’s top tier competition next season.
‘Judas’ Declan Rice poster daubed with sweary graffiti and West Ham symbol ahead of Arsenal move
Most West Ham fans will wish Rice well when he departs for the Gunners this week.
He leaves a wonderful legacy at West Ham United which culminated in the perfect send off as he led the club to Premier League safety and a first major trophy for 43 years.
But his push to join a London rival has not gone down well with certain factions of the West Ham fanbase.
Particularly after it was claimed yesterday by a Sky Sports reporter that Rice has had his heart set on a move to the Emirates since February.
While the vast majority of West Ham supporters will always have love and respect for Rice, there is always a minority who take things too far.
Maintain perspective West Ham fans and rise above such idiotic behaviour
And there has been an unsavoury twist after what one supposed West Ham fan did to a picture of the departing skipper.
A Rice poster has been daubed with sweary graffiti, the word ‘Judas’ and a West Ham symbol ahead of his Arsenal move.
A Muller Rice advertisement poster featuring a picture of Rice – and the wording ‘Rice, Rice Baby’ in the company’s red and white branding – has been covered in graffiti of a crossed Hammers symbol, the word ‘Judas’ and the C-word.
Hammers News has chosen not to publish the image in this article – but it can be viewed on social media here.
The minority always give the majority a bad name.
But any West Ham fans feeling betrayed or angry over the move should perhaps read or re-read Oliver Holt’s excellent column praising our supporters and Rice for the rare loving farewell and dignity around Rice’s move.
People are entitled to feel aggrieved, let down or disappointed. But please let’s maintain some perspective here and nip any idiotic behaviour such as this in the bud.
Rise above it.
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