Chelsea fans have taken to social media to criticise Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, who appeared to 'shush' fans after scoring a first-half goal, which was later ruled to be offside.
Blues fans claim the gesture was disrespectful considering the forward is a former player, and that the goading unnecessary.
But Gunner fans have jumped to the German international's defence, saying he had every right to react in that way considering the way he was treated during his time at the west London club.
The incident happened in the 32nd minute of Chelsea's home clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Havertz had run onto a quick free-kick taken by Declan Rice and put his shot past Blues keeper, Robert Sanchez.
The forward then put his finger to his lips in a 'shushing' motion to celebrate, drawing the ire of the home fans, who perhaps had the last laugh when VAR intervened to adjudge the goal as offside.
The 25-year-old spent three years at Stamford Bridge between 2020 and 2023, making 139 appearances across all competitions. He joined Arsenal in June 2023 for a reported £65million.
But despite a respectable return of 32 goals in that time, Havertz was a target for criticism from Blues fans, who feel he didn't quite live up to his potential as a game-changing attacker after joining from Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen.
Fuuaknopsu
106
if he had started his EPL career at Arsenal, he would have been TROPHILESS.
Tony_Cubano
80
If I were Kai Havertz I would never have done such a thing of telling the fans of my ex-blues to shut up. I understand that the joy of scoring a goal (which was erased) leads to such actions, but there must be exceptions so as not to lead to disrespect. Remember that Mr Havertz was cheered and loved by the fans and the team when he was part of Chelsea F.C, and so there were good memories of celebrations and hugs as well as bad ones too when a game was lost but everyone consumed the tragedies together and together they waited for the next game. Hey Havertz, if you ever read my comment here, think twice before acting in a bad way, not only with Chelsea, but with the other teams that welcomed you and gave you the opportunity to participate with them. Celebrating a goal is good, but don't go too far against those who once applauded you. This also goes for all soccer players around the world! THANK! 🤗
GoonerJohn
31
So let me see if I got this right. Chelsea sold Havertz to Arsenal in the break. The Chelsea fans then trolled Arsenal that Havertz was a piece of 💩 and that they had conned Arsenal. Havertz scores against that club and their trolls, celebrates and THATS disrespectful?? I'd call it karma myself.
Moseseboto
14
Arsenal is a cursed team. And i don't expect them to win any trophy this season. Let Kai Havertz enjoy his early retirement at Arsenal since all Chelsea players join arsenal only to retire😂🤣
lubabcilps
9
Chelsea were lucky Arsenal should have won the game