‘Disgraceful’ – Ferdinand slams Arsenal fans over petition against Noni Madueke signing

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has strongly condemned a section of Arsenal fans for their treatment of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, branding their conduct “an utter disgrace” amid his £52 million move to the Gunners.

Madueke, 23, is set to join Arsenal on a five-year deal after leaving Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad to finalise his transfer.

However, backlash from a vocal minority of Arsenal fans has marred the deal, with a trending online petition titled “#NOTOMADUEKE”.

The petition has gathered close to 5,000 signatures and graffiti reading “Arteta Out” reportedly appearing near the Emirates Stadium.

Ferdinand took to social media to defend Madueke, criticising the abuse and calling for empathy.

“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 £55 million is an utter disgrace,” he said.

The former England captain urged fans to consider the human impact, adding: “Just put yourself in his shoes, or his parents’ shoes, for one minute.

“The way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions, even joining a petition to stop the transfer, is beyond me. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Ferdinand emphasized that his comments were not aimed at the entire Arsenal fan base but at the “small section who have become very loud unfortunately.”

He closed by wishing Madueke success, stating: “I just hope the transfer goes through and Noni Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors.”

Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for £28.5 million, has since broken into the England national team.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed last week that the winger had expressed his desire to leave and was granted permission to travel back to London to complete his move.

Maresca remarked: “Noni has been important for us this season. But my message is clear, I only want players who are happy to be here.”