Declan Rice’s reaction to tackle on Manchester United striker is deemed embarrassing

Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

Declan Rice has faced criticism for his ’embarrassing’ reaction to the goal-saving tackle he made during Arsenal’s draw with Manchester United.

Declan Rice was at the center of a controversy during a recent match between Arsenal and Manchester United after reacting to a crucial tackle. The incident occurred during a tense moment in the match when Rice executed a goal-saving tackle on Manchester United’s struggling striker, Rasmus Hojlund.

Rice’s reaction to the tackle, which involved a wild fist pump and passionate celebration, has been widely criticized. talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham likened Rice’s celebration to “Tyson Fury celebrating a win over Jake Paul,” calling it “embarrassing”. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Rice should set higher standards and targets for himself.

Despite the criticism, Rice defended his reaction, emphasizing the importance of the tackle in the context of the game. He described the tackle as his highlight of the match, noting that it could have been a penalty and a red card if he hadn’t reacted quickly. Rice’s celebration was also appreciated by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who applauded his efforts as Arsenal cleared their lines.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Rice also scoring a superb equalizer for Arsenal. However, the focus remained on his reaction to the tackle, which has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of celebrating defensive plays in football.

Rice’s reaction has highlighted the fine margins in football and the emotional intensity of the game. While some may view his celebration as excessive, others see it as a testament to his passion and commitment on the field.