Rio Ferdinand has condemned the ‘utter disgrace’ of Arsenal fans vilifying Noni Madueke during what should be a celebratory £55m transfer
Rio Ferdinand has backed Noni Madueke following online criticism surrounding his move to Arsenal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Lz5lLAG2Py
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 12, 2025
Rio Ferdinand has launched a fierce defence of Noni Madueke after the England winger faced vicious online abuse and petitions from a section of Arsenal fans opposing his potential £55 million move from Chelsea.
The Manchester United legend branded the treatment of the 23-year-old as “an utter disgrace,” stressing that a player’s dream transfer should be a joyous occasion—not one marred by bullying. “Just put yourself in his shoes, or his parents’,” Ferdinand urged in an emotional plea. “At a time when he should be celebrating, he’s being stripped down. I hope those closest to him are giving him the support he needs.”
The backlash has included social media vitriol and even organised petitions to block the deal—a tactic Ferdinand admitted he’d “never seen before” in football. While acknowledging most Arsenal supporters are not involved, he slammed the “very loud” minority for “vulgar behaviour” that crossed the line. “If this was your brother or son, how would you feel?” he questioned.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV in 2023, is now at the centre of a heated divide among Gunners fans. Some argue his inconsistent form makes the fee risky, while others cite his rivalry history. But Ferdinand insisted criticism should never escalate to personal attacks. “It’s fine to disagree with signings, but this is beyond,” he said.
The former England defender ended with a rallying cry: “I hope the transfer goes through—and Noni rams all this negativity back down their throats.”
FULL STATEMENT:
For a Young 23 year old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally strip down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million. Yes a young kid with a dream about to secure a £55 million dream move to a club of his desire leaving a rival at that to be treated in this manner via section of the Arsenal fan base is an utter disgrace.
Just put yourself in his shoes for one minute just put yourself in his parents shoes for one minute and just think of how that feeling must be. I’ll say it again, at a time as a player as a human as a family you should be celebrating. I just hope the people that are closest to him are around him and supporting him in the way that he needs right now. It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions and those who have gone a step further in publicly joining a petition for this player not to be signed by their football club is beyond me. I have never seen anything like this before, and I hope I don’t ever again.
Like I said earlier just imagine this was your best friend, one of your family members, your brother, son…then tell me how would you feel if they were on the receiving end of this vulgar behaviour ??? By the way, This isn’t aimed at all Arsenal fans it’s just a small section who have become very loud unfortunately. I just hope the transfer goes through and Noni Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors.
Whatever happens from here good luck Noni.