Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Champions League, PSV
Jack Kenmare
Declan Rice pretended not to celebrate his goal against PSV Eindhoven, just days after the Arsenal midfielder was criticised for celebrating an equaliser against Manchester United.
On Sunday afternoon, Rice cancelled out Bruno Fernandes' free-kick with an impressive strike in the second-half of Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
But instead of running back to retrieve the ball, the England international decided to celebrate by 'shushing' the Stretford End – a decision that brought a mixed reaction from fans watching at home.
With Arsenal sitting 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool with 10 games to play, many also questioned the 'Calma' celebration.
Advert
But after the full-time whistle, Rice defended his actions. Asked about the celebration in his post match interview with Sky Sports, he said: "I think it’s just a bit of football banter between me and the fans."
Three days later and Rice found the back of the net again as Arsenal went up against PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League last-16 second-leg.
Instead of his previously animated celebration, however, Rice acted like he wasn't allowed to celebrate and ran straight back to the kick-off spot.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the moment, as seen below.
One said: "Declan Rice pretending he can’t celebrate and ran straight back to the centre circle, after he received criticism for his celebration against Manchester United. What a guy."
A second wrote: "Declan Rice scored but he didn’t wanna get cooked by celebrating again," and another commented: "Goals are the hardest things to accomplish in the game and deserve to be celebrated fully."
A fourth said: "Just shows he doesn't get it, he was criticised because it was an equaliser... If it was to take the lead no one would have said anything."
A fifth added: "Rice not celebrating because Twitter said he's not allowed lmao. He is chronically online."
Arsenal went on to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 9-3 aggregate win.