Football fans have been circulating footage on social media of them targeting Arsenal star Declan Rice with chants that make reference to his girlfriend, Lauren Fryer. Calls have been made to ban these fans for their distasteful behavior towards Fryer. Rice and Fryer welcomed their first child together in 2022, but have largely stayed out of the public eye. Fryer was seen supporting Rice at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The incident occurred during a Premier League game between Arsenal and Chelsea, where chants targeting Fryer were heard from the Chelsea end. Social media has seen an outpouring of support for Fryer and demands for the offending fans to be banned.
Fans on social media have expressed their outrage at the vile chants directed at the girlfriend of Declan Rice, with many calling for an immediate ban of the fans responsible. A fan wrote, “We should understand that football players and their families are humans like us too,” emphasizing the need for respect towards players and their loved ones. Another fan highlighted the issue of insecurity leading to such behavior, while others simply called for the banning of fans who displayed such disrespectful actions. Fryer, who is also 25 years old like Rice, has faced unkind comments on social media before, but the abuse directed towards her during the game crossed a line for many.
Celebrities like Love Island star Liberty Poole have joined the chorus of support for Lauren Fryer, condemning the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media. Poole expressed dismay at the treatment of Fryer and urged for a change in the way individuals are judged based on their appearance. Despite the chants from the opposing fans, Declan Rice remained focused on his game, helping Arsenal secure a 5-0 victory over Chelsea. The win marked the first time all season that Arsenal started with a midfield trio of Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility in midfield.
After the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Rice’s performance and the team’s overall resilience throughout the season. He acknowledged the absence of Thomas Partey due to injury since August, highlighting the contributions of other players like Declan Rice in different positions on the field. Arteta emphasized the team’s ability to adapt and find ways to win despite challenges, hinting at a positive outlook for Arsenal’s future performances. The incident involving the chants directed at Lauren Fryer has sparked conversations around the treatment of footballers and their families both on and off the field.
In response to the incident, efforts to raise awareness and promote respect towards footballers and their loved ones have gained momentum on social media. The incident involving Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer has highlighted the need for better behavior from fans and the importance of supporting players and their families regardless of the outcome on the pitch. As the football community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the impact of words and actions on individuals both within and outside the sporting arena. The support shown towards Fryer and the calls for accountability for the fans responsible demonstrate a growing demand for a more inclusive and respectful environment in football.
