DECLAN RICE received a shower of beer bottles and cups during Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.
The England international lit the blue touch paper two minutes into the Croatian giants’ visit to the Emirates on Wednesday night.
And sections of the travelling supporters took their anger out on the midfielder by twice pelting him with missiles.
The first incident occurred in the tenth minute when Rice looked to take a corner, with bottles, cups and what appeared to be a lighter being thrown.
Yobs in the Zagreb end targeted Rice again in the 27th minute with even more missiles, one of which hit the midfielder.
Footie fans watching the match took to social media to blast the louts, with one writing on X: “These Zagreb fans are actually crazy.”
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Another sarcastically said: “Classy from Zagreb fans.”
And another said: “Absolutely nasty from Zagreb fans throwing stuff at Declan.”
One remarked: “What is the point of stewards?
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“They’re literally just stood watching Rice get peppered by the Zagreb fans when he goes over to take a corner.”
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Another chimed in: “Well I must say, that’s definitely a new and interesting tactic for stopping Arsenal corners.
“Kudos to the Zagreb fans for their creativity and stupidity.”
The actions of a minority of Zagreb’s fans will likely land the Croatian champions in hot water with Uefa.
European football’s governing body could now throw the book at Zagreb, who will likely have to pay a penalty fine.
The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners and all-but sealed automatic qualification for the last-16 thanks to second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chance
By Katherine Walsh
David Raya – 6
A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.
But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.
Jurrien Timber – 5
Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.
But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.
Gabriel – 6
Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.
Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.
Declan Rice – 8
Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.
But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.
Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.
Jorginho – 6
Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.
But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.
A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.
Raheem Sterling – 4
A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.
But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.
Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.
Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.
Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?
Kai Havertz – 7
Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.
Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.
Subs
Ethan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6
A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.
Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6
Assured cameo in midfield.
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5
Calm on the ball after coming on.
Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5
Made his 100th appearance for the club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
