Cameras caught Bukayo Saka’s instant reaction to Declan Rice telling him that Tottenham fans had taunted the former West Ham captain’s partner during the North London Derby.
The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham is very fierce, and things got heated in N17 on Sunday afternoon during matchday 27’s North London Derby.
Arsenal’s history-making 4-1 win away to Spurs saw the Gunners leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with beaming smiles, but what happened during the 90 minutes left some feeling uncomfortable.
During the game, a Spurs fan taunted Rice’s partner when the Arsenal star went to take a corner, something that clearly hurt the 27-year-old and alarmed Bukayo Saka.
😂 Who is the biggest wind-up merchant in the Arsenal squad? Surely it has to be Gabriel Magalhaes?
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka’s reaction to Tottenham fans taunting the Arsenal midfielder’s partner
Footage went viral on social media as a Spurs supporter situated by the corner flag held up a photo of Rice’s partner in an attempt to taunt the Arsenal midfielder.
The Englishman’s long-term partner has been inexplicably talked about on social media for some time, and Tottenham fans hit a new low with their attempted ridicule on Sunday afternoon.
Rice handled the situation well, but it got to the Arsenal star, as was picked up on beIN Sports coverage of the game, which saw the midfielder inform Saka and Albert Stuivenberg of what happened.
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As posted by DailyAFC on X, Rice appeared to tell Saka and Stuivenberg, “When I went to take a corner, they were showing it, so obviously I was angry.”
BeIN Sports’ footage showed Saka’s face change upon hearing what happened, going from laughing with his teammate to being in a visible state of shock.
Rivalries are part of the game, but a line must be drawn, particularly with family members being thrown into the cauldron.
Tottenham fans condemn Declan Rice taunt on social media
The Spurs fan who made the outrageous decision to taunt Rice in such a way has not received the feedback he might’ve thought.
On X, a large selection of Tottenham supporters have reacted to the footage and are completely against what unfolded.
What would your message to Declan Rice be after Spurs fans taunted his partner?
“I hate Arsenal like every Spurs fan, but this fella in the stands doesn’t represent us,” one fan said.
Another added, “Scummiest behaviour in sports,” with a fellow supporter writing, “There are some lines that should never be crossed!”
One Spurs fan even called for the perpetrator to be named and shamed.
“Whoever that idiot fan was needs to be named and shamed. There’s no need for pathetic immature things like that.”