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West Ham fans chant about Declan Rice after losing to Man City

Written by Andy Delaney
Last Update: May 20, 2024
Published on

On Sunday afternoon, Man City became champions of England for the fourth year in a row after beating West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium. City came into the match knowing a win would be enough to secure the title and any early nerves were put to bed when a Phil Foden double put them 2-0 up after 20 minutes.

West Ham fans chant about Declan Rice
As Man City fans invaded the pitch to celebrate the Premier League title, West Ham fans began taunting Declan Rice and Arsenal – Photo by Icon Sport

Heading into the match, many West Ham fans on social media were openly admitting that they would be happy to see their team put to the sword for several reasons.

Firstly, they consider Arsenal rivals due to both clubs being from London. Secondly, because they have developed an affinity with Man City in recent years. And thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, because they didn't want to see former captain, Declan Rice, win the title.

Rice left under a cloud in the summer despite winning the Europa Conference League as captain and bringing in a substantial transfer fee. The player wanted to compete for the biggest honours but West Ham fans have held a grudge ever since and booed him on is return to the London Stadium in February.

West Ham fans chant about Declan Rice

After the full-time whistle went at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, thousands of Man City invaded the pitch to celebrate the Premier League title. Typically, the away end will empty at this point but the majority of West Ham fans decided to stay to join in with the celebrations.

While City fans partied on the pitch, the away end burst into a rendition of ‘Are you watching Declan Rice?' in a bid to taunt their former skipper who was sat deflated on the Emirates pitch 200 miles away in North London.

The West Ham away end continued to sing songs about Rice and Arsenal while the Man City security team tried to clear the pitch. At one point, both sets of fans joined in with a chorus of ‘We're all having a party when Arsenal f***ed it up'.

Arsenal fans hit back

After the videos went viral on social media, Arsenal fans were quick to criticise the West Ham fans at the Etihad Stadium. One posted: “I know you do this for bait and likes and interactions etc but do you genuinely not have anything else to talk about? Gave you 120m for your player and that’s it. We aren’t your rivals and I’m sure most West Ham fans think the same”

Another questioned: “So what would have Declan achieved with the Hammers if he’d stayed?” while another asked: “Why are you so disrespectful to one of your legends?”

A fourth added: “I don’t think people understand how weird this is. Isn’t Paqueta going to City? Your former captain who won you a European trophy who didn’t celebrate against you who literally loves your club. Weird.”