23 January 2025 , 10:41
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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice scored after just 104 seconds at the Emirates but was targeted by Dinamo Zagreb supporters while taking a corner.
Arsenal star Declan Rice was pelted with missiles by Dinamo Zagreb fans during the Champions League clash at the Emirates.
The England international opened the scoring after less than two minutes with the Gunners looking to effectively secure their passage to the last eight of the competition. But following his goal, Rice was targeted by visited supporters as he attempted to take set pieces.
On the first occasion, in the tenth minute, Rice managed to avoid any of the missiles raining down from the away end as he swung in a corner for the home side. And then just before the half-hour mark he was again in the firing line, with one object clearly hitting the Gunner star.
And trouble flared again in the second half when shortly after Kai Havertz headed home Arsenal’s second goal at least 30 police dressed in riot gear rushed into the away end and formed an additional line of segregation between home fans.
Dinamo fans were also seen throwing missiles over the police and into the direction of home supporters.
Dinamo ultras had been banned from attending any European away games last season after a Greek teenager was stabbed to death before they faced AEK Athens in August 2023.
In 2022 there was widespread condemnation, plus a fine, when some were seen making Nazi salutes before facing AC Milan at San Siro. But those reprimands have clearly done little to calm a boisterous group.
It now seems inevitable UEFA will throw the book at the Croatian side, with fans and a potential ban for supporters likely on the cards.
Riot police former a barrier between home and away fans with the latter throwing missiles after Arsenal’s second goal
Arsenal supporters meanwhile can look forward to an extended run in the competition with Wednesday night’s victory all-but sealing their spot in the top-eight of the new look Champions League group phase.
They find themselves in third position with 16 points from their seven matches with only a dramatic swing of goal difference on the final matchday likely to see them drop into the play-offs.