Arsenal's Declan Rice Targeted by Missiles Before Riot Police Step In

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was subjected to missiles thrown by Dinamo Zagreb fans during their Champions League encounter at the Emirates.

Rice opened the scoring in under two minutes, putting the Gunners on track to secure a spot in the competition's quarter-finals. However, following his goal, the England international was targeted by Zagreb supporters while attempting to take set pieces.

In the 10th minute, Rice narrowly avoided the projectiles as he delivered a corner. Then, just before the half-hour mark, one object clearly struck him as he prepared for another set piece.

Tensions escalated further in the second half after Kai Havertz’s header doubled Arsenal’s lead. At least 30 police officers in riot gear were seen rushing into the away end, forming an additional barrier between the two sets of supporters, as Dinamo fans continued to throw missiles over the police and towards the home crowd.

Dinamo ultras had been banned from attending European away games last season following the tragic stabbing of a Greek teenager before their match with AEK Athens in August 2023. In 2022, they faced widespread condemnation and a fine after some fans made Nazi salutes during a clash with AC Milan at San Siro. However, these actions appear to have had little impact on curbing the behavior of their supporters.

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Given the incidents, it's likely UEFA will impose further sanctions on the Croatian side, including potential fan bans.

Arsenal fans can look forward to an extended run in the competition, with Wednesday night's win all but securing their place in the top eight of the revamped Champions League group stage.

Sitting in third with 16 points from seven matches, only a significant swing in goal difference on the final matchday could see them drop into the play-offs.

Liverpool and Barcelona are the only teams to have officially secured their spot in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Arsenal's Premier League rivals Manchester City face a tougher road—they'll need a win in their final match, along with favorable results elsewhere, to progress out of the group stage.