Declan Rice’s Muted Goal Celebration Against PSV Following Old Trafford Controversy
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice responded to criticism with a deliberately muted celebration after scoring against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, just days after his controversial celebration at Old Trafford sparked debate among football fans.
The England international found himself at the center of attention on Sunday when he scored an equalizer against Manchester United and celebrated by ‘shushing’ the Stretford End. The celebration raised eyebrows considering Arsenal were trailing league leaders Liverpool by 15 points with just 10 matches remaining in the Premier League season.
When questioned about his animated reaction after the match, Rice defended himself, telling Sky Sports: “I think it’s just a bit of football banter between me and the fans.”
However, it seems the criticism made an impact. During Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second-leg fixture against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, Rice once again found the net but opted for a completely different approach to his celebration.
This time, Rice deliberately pretended he couldn’t celebrate and immediately ran back to the center circle for the restart – a clear response to the backlash he received following the Manchester United match.
Fan Reactions to Rice’s Celebration Tactics
The footballer’s self-aware response generated plenty of discussion on social media:
- “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.”
- “Declan Rice scored but he didn’t wanna get cooked by celebrating again.”
- “Goals are the hardest things to accomplish in the game and deserve to be celebrated fully.”
Not everyone was impressed with Rice’s approach, however:
- “Just shows he doesn’t get it, he was criticized because it was an equaliser… If it was to take the lead no one would have said anything.”
- “Rice not celebrating because Twitter said he’s not allowed lmao. He is chronically online.”
The midfielder’s goal contributed to Arsenal’s comprehensive 9-3 aggregate victory over the Dutch side, securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Gunners continue their impressive European campaign while maintaining their push for domestic success.
Rice, who joined Arsenal last summer in a club-record transfer from West Ham United, has been instrumental in Mikel Arteta’s side this season. His ability to both shield the defense and contribute in attack has made him one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
The celebration controversy highlights the intense scrutiny top-level footballers face in the modern game, where every action on and off the pitch is analyzed and debated across social media platforms.
What do you think about goal celebrations in football? Should players moderate their reactions depending on the match situation, or should they express themselves freely whenever they score? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and join the debate about football’s unwritten celebration rules!