“Jude Bellingham faces backlash from fans after new footage shows his actions toward Declan Rice.”

Fans React to Jude Bellingham’s Clash with Declan Rice in Champions League Showdown

Supporters have spoken out following the release of footage showing a tense exchange between Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice during Arsenal’s 2-1 win (5-1 on aggregate) over Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final.

Rice, 26, played a starring role in the first leg with two stunning free-kick goals that gave Arsenal a strong lead heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu. Despite facing a tough Real midfield featuring Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Bellingham, Rice delivered another solid performance.

Though teammates on the England national squad, there was clear tension between Rice and Bellingham during the match, with no signs of camaraderie on display.

Clips of their interactions quickly circulated on social media Thursday, sparking a range of fan reactions. One user wrote, “Bellingham was clearly frustrated and tried to provoke Rice — credit to Rice for keeping his cool.” Another added, “Bellingham did all he could to get Rice booked, which would’ve ruled him out of the semi-final first leg.”

A third commented, “Classic mind games from Bellingham — trying to bait Rice into suspension,” while a fourth joked, “Bellingham tried using mind control to get Rice carded.”

Rice came close to receiving a yellow in the first half after referee Francois Letexier awarded Real a penalty for a foul on Mbappe. However, the call was overturned after a VAR review.

Arsenal sealed their victory with second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Speaking to TNT Sports, Rice reflected: “We wanted to face the best and win it all. We believed after the first leg, and that confidence carried us through. We knew it would be tough — but we believed we’d win. And we did. What a night for the club.”