‘Utter disgrace’ – Ferdinand slams Arsenal fans over English-Nigerian Noni Madueke backlash

Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal fans protesting the club’s proposed signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, describing their actions as a “disgrace”.

Madueke, who is of Nigerian descent, is close to sealing a move to the Emirates Stadium in a deal reported to be worth £50 million.

Despite the winger’s impressive profile—having previously played for PSV Eindhoven and representing England at youth levels—his potential arrival has sparked backlash from some Arsenal supporters, including a trending petition against the deal.

Manchester United legend Ferdinand expressed his outrage in a lengthy post on X, describing the treatment of Madueke as “bullying” and “embarrassing” for a player on the cusp of fulfilling a childhood dream.

“For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally stripped down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55million… is an utter disgrace,” he wrote.

Ferdinand urged fans to consider Madueke’s perspective and criticised the petition as unprecedented.

While acknowledging the right of fans to disagree with signings, he condemned the personal nature of the attacks.

He concluded with support for Madueke, adding, “Whatever happens from here, good luck Noni.”