Pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker “loved” Jack Grealish’s wild celebration against the Republic of Ireland - but understood Declan Rice’s decision to be more subdued.
England stars Grealish and Rice received a hostile reception from the home support in Ireland during Saturday’s Nations League fixture. They were relentlessly booed and subjected to abuse, having switched international allegiance to England earlier in their careers after initially representing the Republic of Ireland – Rice at both youth and senior level in friendlies, and Grealish at youth level.
But in a bizarre turn of events which would have pained the Irish, both ended up scoring to give England a 2-0 victory on the night. Arsenal star Rice scored first and raised his hands as a sign of the respect he still has for Ireland due to his ancestry.
Grealish, who was set up by Rice for the second, did no such thing though, deciding to let rip by punching the air in delight after finding the bottom corner in the 26th minute. His decision to celebrate was jeered further by Ireland fans, while the travelling England fans lapped it up.
England legends Shearer and Lineker have both praised Manchester City winger Grealish’s decision to celebrate. The Match of the Day stalwarts also said they understood why Rice was less animated.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: “I loved Grealish, he said, ‘sod that, I’m going to celebrate’. I get Declan not wanting to celebrate, but Grealish was having none of it. I loved it.”
Lineker added: “Why wouldn’t you celebrate? I totally get Declan because he played for the Republic of Ireland and he had to make that real decision. He definitely didn’t want to celebrate!”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Former City defender Micah Richards then chimed in with: “So did Grealish, he played for Ireland at youth level!” To which former England captain Shearer responded: “Brilliant celebration, loved it all day. Tell him ‘well done’, Micah!"
Lineker, who was once England’s all-time leading goalscorer, added how Grealish was "rubbing salt into the Irish wounds!”
Grealish in his post-match interview said he had expected the frosty reception but was unfazed, insisting there was no “bad blood” between himself and Ireland fans. “It was what me and Dec expected. I said before the game, I think it is different," said the City playmaker.
“Me and Dec have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time with Ireland. I certainly did, and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there is no bad blood from my side.”