Rio Ferdinand says he was shocked to see what happened to one Arsenal player on Sunday

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Rio Ferdinand suggested that he was really surprised to see what happened to one Arsenal star during their 6-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s men made a huge statement with their big win at the London Stadium. They absolutely dismantled the Hammers, and took their goal difference level with Manchester City with the margin of their victory.

Plenty of eyes were on Declan Rice heading into the game. Of course, his performance in the same fixture last season must have played a part in convincing Mikel Arteta that he needed to be their top target for the summer.

Rio Ferdinand surprised to see Declan Rice get booed

Some West Ham fans booed Rice in the early stages on Sunday. It appeared to be an attempt to put the midfielder off his game as many then applauded him when he was substituted in the second-half.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand insisted that he was somewhat baffled by the reception Rice got, particularly as he was a key part of the side which won the Europa Conference League last season.

“When I look at Declan’s situation, I see it being quite similar to mine. He actually did more for West Ham than I ever did. Stayed longer, won something. And then I saw the game yesterday and I saw him being booed, you were there, you said it was crazy, and I’m like, really? He didn’t leave you in the lurch. He won a trophy, he’s gone to a team that’s competing for the Champions League,” he said.

“Maybe because it’s a London team, maybe Arsenal, I don’t know, but I just really was a bit surprised. I don’t think Michael Carrick or Joe Cole got booed. They went to London teams as well. So it’s a bit strange. And he’s someone who outwardly has always shown huge respect to West Ham.”

Criticism of West Ham fans seem incredibly unfair

The criticism of those who booed Rice seems bizarre. Of course, Rice deserves enormous credit for how he played for West Ham.

But it is very different when the whistle goes. It is not the job of the West Ham fans to applaud Rice while he is playing against them. They have to do everything they can to try and throw the 24-year-old off his game.

It obviously did not work as he provided two assists and scored one stunning goal. But it is not the West Ham fans’ role to cheerlead for the midfielder now that he has left the club.

And that was highlighted in the fact that he got a very different reception as he left the field with the three points long put in the bag for Arsenal.