A Tottenham fan seemingly taunted Declan Rice during Arsenal's 4-1 North London Derby win by showing a photo of his partner Lauren Fryer while appearing to shout abuse
A Tottenham Hotspur supporter tried to taunt Declan Rice during Sunday's North London Derby by displaying a photograph of the player's partner whilst seemingly hurling abuse at him.
Emotions ran high at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday evening, as Arsenal emerged 4-1 victors over their fierce rivals. While jeers and heckling are commonplace in the charged atmosphere of derby day, one Spurs supporter appeared to cross the line when he brandished a photograph of Lauren Fryer towards Rice on his mobile.
In a Shutterstock image circulated on various social media platforms - which has subsequently been requested for removal [by the player/club] - an individual in the home section of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is captured leaning over the advertising boards with a picture of Rice's partner displayed on his phone's screen. Rice, who was nearby, had his back to the crowd as he made his way back towards the pitch.
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This follows Fryer taking steps to wipe her Instagram account in 2024 after enduring a torrent of vile online trolling about her looks. The appalling harassment of Fryer began in December 2023, when an anonymous social media profile told Rice that he "could do better," while others also persistently targeted Fryer with cruel jibes about her appearance.
Consequently, Fryer chose to remove all photographs from her account. With 105,000 followers on the platform, Fryer's account remains post-free, whilst she is also noticeably absent from Rice's Instagram. In reaction to the online vitriol in April 2024, Rice issued a heartfelt message towards his partner, saying: "She is the love of my life and I don't need an upgrade."
Dani Dyer, partner of West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, has previously defended her, saying last year: "It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn't put herself out there. I think it's harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard. She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.
"It was so cruel.... We didn't speak about it a lot. What we did talk about is how she is so nice and so great and looks absolutely gorgeous. Plus, she's Dec's childhood sweetheart and you can see how much he adores her."
Rice and Fryer first crossed paths at school before they started dating at the age of 17, and have been inseparable since then. The WAG, originally from Chessington, has been by Rice's side throughout his entire career - from his debut at West Ham to his recent standout performances with Arsenal.
They welcomed a son named Jude together in August 2022, and have largely kept their family life away from the public eye. Despite cruel attempts to ridicule him, Rice was instrumental to a Gunners team who savoured a 4-1 triumph over their fierce rivals Spurs on Sunday, featuring for the entire match at the heart of midfield.
Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock for Arsenal 32 minutes into the contest, before Randal Kolo Muani promptly restored parity. Viktor Gyokeres then put his side back in front shortly after the second half commenced, before Kolo Muani believed he had equalised once again.
However, the Frenchman's second goal was ultimately disallowed due to a push on Gabriel in the lead-up, maintaining the scoreline at 2-1 in Arsenal's favour. Eze netted his second of the night 64 minutes into the match, before Gyokeres sealed the victory in the closing stages of the game, securing all three points in a convincing win.
As a result of the win, Arsenal extended their advantage over Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table to five points going into their final 10 matches of the season. Next up for Mikel Arteta's side is a clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1.
With City possessing a crucial game in hand over Arsenal, the league leaders will not be given any margin for error as they aim to secure their first league title in over two decades come May.