Featured Image Credit: Getty & Instagram/Declan Rice
Topics: England, Football, Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Ireland, Fan Reactions, UEFA Nations League
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: England, Football, Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Ireland, Fan Reactions, UEFA Nations League
Jack Grealish and Declan Rice have been accused of 'trolling' Ireland supporters in the wake of England's victory in Dublin.
England began the new Nations League campaign with a 2-0 win at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Grealish and Rice were both booed by the home support during the game, having previously switched their international allegiance from Ireland to England.
Advert
But it was the England pair who had the last laugh, with both players scoring in Lee Carsley's first match as interim manager.
Rice refused to celebrate after scoring the opening goal, but Grealish angered the home support by fully celebrating his strike – pumping his fist in the direction of the England supporters before putting his fingers in his ears.
Speaking after the match, Rice - who previously played three times for Ireland's senior team before his switch to England - explained his decision not to celebrate.
"To have celebrated, it would have been really disrespectful of me," Rice told Sky Sports News.
"My nan and grandad, my dad's side of the family are all Irish and they've obviously passed away. They're not here anymore.
Advert
"I didn't want to do that, to be honest with you. I had such an amazing time playing for Ireland, even in the first team, the U19s, U21s, They were great memories that live with me.
"So, look, I don't have a bad word to say, to be honest with you. I wish them all the best."
However, Rice and Grealish have since risked angering Ireland supporters with a post on social media following their win.
The pair posted an image of themselves grinning at Dublin Airport to their Instagram accounts, with the caption: "In & out", followed by the peace sign emoji.
Advert
Some fans have questioned the need to post the photo, given the emotion that still surrounds their change of international allegiance.
"Proper trolls," posted one fan on Instagram.
Another England fan added: "Rattled them."
Advert
While another commented: "So rude."
Speaking after the match, Grealish insisted he had no ill-feeling toward the Ireland supporters despite being booed during the game.
"I think it was what me and Dec expected," Grealish told ITV.
"Me and Dec both enjoyed our time playing here. I certainly did. I have a lot Irish in my family, so there's no bad blood whatsoever from my side."
Advert
England next face Finland at Wembley on Tuesday in another Nations League match.