REECE JAMES has been praised by fans for his classy gesture when his former teammate Mason Mount was subbed on for Manchester United.
Mount, 25, left boyhood club Chelsea for Old Trafford last summer in a £60m move.
But his return to Stamford Bridge was rather forgettable, after United suffered a calamitous Chelsea comeback to lose 4-3 in the final moments of stoppage time.
Mount’s appearance marked the first time the Red Devils have lost to Chelsea in the Premier League since 2017.
He made his first return to west London via substitution late on Erik ten Hag’s men 3-2 up at the time.
The midfielder cut a frustrated figure at the full-time whistle after seeing his side throw away yet another victory in the dying moments.
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Plenty of boos could be heard as Mount made his way onto the pitch, while he also got into two heated scuffles with Enzo Fernandez.
But now eayle-eyed fans have commended James for showing a mark of respect as he applauded Mount’s substitution.
The clip shows James – who is currently out injured with a hamstring issue – clapping when Mount was being introduced by the fourth official.
One fan wrote: “A class act from James. He’s a real one for that.”
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Another said: “Once a blue always a blue.”
A third declared: “That’s what this game is all about love and unity no matter who we represent on the pitch.”
A fourth questioned: “Chelsea fans never booed Mata or Matic. So it’s really odd that they go for a guy that literally won them a Champions League.”
The England international used to be a huge favourite with the Chelsea faithful having come through the club’s academy.
James and Mount progressed through the youth ranks together and were part of Frank Lampard’s side of the 2019/20 season.
The pair then lifted the Champions League together in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel.
Meanwhile, TNT Sports cameras caught the moment when a Chelsea fan lifted up a 2021-22 edition of their home shirt which read ‘JUDAS 19’.
Though Mount wears the No 7 for United, during his Chelsea days he wore No 19 – making it a clear reference by the home supporters.
Mount won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup during his time there but left under a cloud last summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
