Spurs fan tries to mock Declan Rice with pic of partner in grim moment | Football | Sport
Declan Rice was seemingly mocked by a Spurs fan (not pictured) (Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
A Tottenham Hotspur supporter attempted to taunt Declan Rice during Sunday’s north London derby by displaying a photograph of the player’s partner while appearing to direct abuse towards him. Tempers flared at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday evening, as Arsenal emerged 4-1 victors over their fierce rivals.
While jeers and taunts are commonplace in the charged atmosphere of a derby fixture, one Spurs supporter appeared to cross the line when he held up a photograph of Lauren Fryer towards Rice on his mobile phone. In a Shutterstock photograph circulated on certain 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 visible leaning over the advertising boards with an image of Rice’s partner displayed on his phone’s screen. Rice, who was nearby, had his back turned towards the supporters as he made his way back onto the pitch.
It follows Fryer taking steps to wipe her Instagram account in 2024 after enduring a torrent of vile online trolling regarding her appearance. The appalling harassment of Fryer began in December 2023, when an anonymous social media profile told Rice that he “could do better,” whilst others also continuously aimed jibes at Fryer concerning her looks.
Consequently, Fryer chose to remove all of the photographs from her account. With 105,000 followers on the platform, Fryer’s account remains post-free, and she is also notably absent from Rice’s Instagram. In response to the online hate in April 2024, Rice issued a heartfelt statement about his partner, saying: “She is the love of my life and I don’t need an upgrade.”
Dani Dyer, wife of West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, has also previously defended her, explaining 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.
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Arsenal won the North London Derby (Image: Getty)
“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. 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 their son Jude in August 2022, and have maintained a relatively private family life away from the public eye.
Despite vile attempts to ridicule him, Rice proved crucial for a Gunners outfit who secured a commanding 4-1 victory over their fierce rivals Spurs on Sunday, featuring for the entire match in central midfield.
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Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock for Arsenal 32 minutes into proceedings, before Randal Kolo Muani equalised immediately. Viktor Gyokeres then restored his team’s advantage shortly after the second-half commenced, before Kolo Muani appeared to have rescued his side once again.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman’s second effort was eventually disallowed due to a push on Gabriel during the build-up, maintaining the scoreline at 2-1 in Arsenal’s favour. Eze claimed his brace 64 minutes into the contest, before Gyokeres sealed the result emphatically in the match’s closing stages to secure all three points in a convincing win.
Following the victory, Arsenal extended their advantage over Manchester City at the Premier League summit to five points heading into their remaining 10 fixtures of the campaign.
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 cannot afford any slip-ups as they pursue their first league championship in over two decades come May.
