Tunnel altercation between Declan Rice and assistant manager resolved
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the tunnel altercation between Declan Rice and assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Chelsea has been completely resolved, reports BritPanorama.
The Arsenal boss stated the matter was “all sorted, all good” when questioned about the confrontation that occurred at half-time of the match at Stamford Bridge.
Any lingering tension appeared to have dissipated by the time Rice departed the pitch in the 82nd minute, with the England international and the Dutch coach sharing an embrace as the midfielder made way for a substitute.
The reconciliation came after a fiery exchange between the pair during the interval of Arsenal’s cup triumph. The flashpoint in the tunnel saw Rice launch into a profanity-filled outburst directed at Stuivenberg, who has earned the nickname ‘AirPod Albert’ among supporters. The midfielder is understood to have declared that the 55-year-old coach “doesn’t know what the hell he’s on about” before exclaiming “oh for f***s sake” as the disagreement intensified.
Footage captured the heated verbal exchange between the two men in the tunnel area. Teammate Gabriel stepped in to defuse the situation, positioning himself between Rice and the assistant manager as tempers flared. Despite the Brazilian defender’s intervention, Rice persisted with his protestations, vigorously shaking his head and gesturing with his arms raised before Stuivenberg eventually walked away.
When asked whether the incident demonstrated Rice’s competitive desire, Arteta responded affirmatively. “Yes, and the good thing is that by the time I found out the problem was resolved so that’s very good,” the Arsenal manager explained, suggesting he was not directly involved in mediating the dispute.
Arteta’s relationship with Stuivenberg dates back to their time together studying for UEFA A coaching qualifications in Cardiff, where the pair developed a strong working rapport. Stuivenberg’s path to the Arsenal coaching staff has been an unconventional one, with his playing career cut short at just 19 years old following complications from an unusual injury. He subsequently dedicated himself to coaching, nurturing talent at Feyenoord’s academy and contributing to the development of Robin van Persie.
As the Gunners prepare for their next match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, they sit six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, chasing a first title since 2004.
The incident underscores the fierce competitive spirit that exists within the squad, a reminder of how passion can sometimes boil over. Indeed, in football, emotions run deep — whether on the pitch or beneath the tunnel, it’s proof that even in the heat of the moment, the bonds forged in battle remain crucial.
