TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has labelled West Ham fans a “disgrace” after booing their former captain Declan Rice in their win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last week.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino returns to his former team Tottenham on Monday night, and O’Hara says he hopes the Argentine is not treated the same way as Rice:

“I hope we don’t boo him [Pochettino] because he deserves a good reception. I think the West Ham fans who were booing Declan Rice were a disgrace.”

“That man gave everything to that football club. He could have left a year before his time and stayed by winning them a trophy.”

Every supporter is entitled to their opinion

While there were audible boos when Rice entered the pitch as a substitute last Wednesday, not every fan felt the same, with many also giving the player a standing ovation.

When a player leaves for a rival club, there are always some who don’t take it well, and the fact that his departure is so recent makes it harder. Rice could have expected better receptions in subsequent visits to the London Stadium, although that may now be less likely following the player’s latest comments.

Rice’s Facebook post won’t be received too well by West Ham fans

The midfielder took to Facebook after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at the weekend to declare that the Gunners are “my team forever”. Clearly, that message won’t go down well.

Whether he feels more justified in making those remarks after being booed by Hammers supporters, it is hard to know, but it will certainly not have mended any bridges with his former club.

West Ham next face Arsenal at the Emirates in the league on December 28th, before the reverse fixture takes place at the London Stadium on February 10th next year.