Arsenal secured a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening in a fiery derby, in which, Declan Rice was subject to disgusting abuse targeted at his partner, Lauren Fryer
12:01, 23 Feb 2026Updated 12:01, 23 Feb 2026
Declan Rice was seemingly taunted by a fan on Sunday evening(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
A Tottenham Hotspur supporter attempted to taunt Declan Rice during Sunday’s North London derby by showing a photograph of the player’s partner whilst appearing to hurl abuse toward him. Tempers flared at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday evening, as Arsenal emerged 4-1 victors over their fierce rivals.
Whilst jeers and catcalls are commonplace in the charged atmosphere of a derby fixture, one Spurs supporter appeared to cross the line when he held up a photograph of Lauren Fryer towards Rice on his mobile.
In a Shutterstock photograph circulated on various social media platforms – which has subsequently been requested for removal [by the player/club] – an individual in the home section of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is visible leaning over the advertising boards with an image of Rice’s partner displayed on his phone screen.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta handed mixed Viktor Gyokeres verdict after Arsenal striker branded ‘nuisance’READ MORE: Igor Tudor sets relegation alarm bells ringing with new Tottenham confession
Rice, who was nearby, had his back turned away from the supporters as he made his way back towards the pitch. It follows Fryer taking steps to wipe her Instagram account in 2024 after enduring a wave of vile online trolling regarding her looks.
The appalling harassment of Fryer started in December 2023, when an anonymous social media profile told Rice that he “could do better,” whilst others also persistently aimed digs at Fryer over her appearance. Consequently, Fryer took the decision to remove all of the photographs from her account.
With 105,000 followers on the platform, Fryer’s account still contains no posts, whilst she is also absent from Rice’s Instagram. In response to the online abuse in April 2024, Rice shared a heartfelt statement in support of his partner, saying: “She is the love of my life and I don’t need an upgrade.”
Fryer has also previously been defended by Dani Dyer, partner of West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, who said last year: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there. I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard. She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“It was so cruel…We didn’t speak about it a lot. What we did talk about is how she is so nice and so great and looks absolutely gorgeous. Plus, she’s Dec’s childhood sweetheart and you can see how much he adores her.”
Rice and Fryer originally crossed paths at school before entering a relationship at the age of 17, and have remained inseparable ever since. The WAG, who originates from Chessington, has stood by Rice throughout his entire career – from his debut at West Ham right through to his outstanding recent displays with Arsenal.
They welcomed a son named Jude together in August 2022, and have maintained their family life predominantly away from the spotlight. Despite vile attempts to ridicule him, Rice proved crucial to a Gunners outfit who secured a 4-1 victory over their fierce rivals in Spurs on Sunday, completing the full 90 minutes in the heart of midfield.
Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock for Arsenal 32 minutes into proceedings, before Randal Kolo Muani restored parity immediately. Viktor Gyokeres then handed his team the advantage once more moments into the second period, before Kolo Muani believed he had rescued a point again.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
However, the Frenchman’s second effort was eventually disallowed due to a push on Gabriel in the build-up, maintaining the scoreline at 2-1 in Arsenal’s favour. Eze grabbed his brace 64 minutes into the encounter, before Gyokeres sealed the contest emphatically in the game’s closing stages to claim all three points in a commanding triumph.
Following the result, Arsenal extended their advantage over Manchester City at the Premier League summit to five points heading into their remaining 10 fixtures of the campaign. Next up for Mikel Arteta’s outfit is a clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1.
With City possessing a crucial game in hand over Arsenal, the league leaders will not be granted any margin for mistakes as they aim to secure their first championship in over two decades come May.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.