Each current Premier League club's most hated ex-player

 

Each current Premier League club's most hated ex-player

Football thrives on loyalty, but when players betray that bond whether by switching sides or breaking trust they become pariahs to the fans who once cheered them.

Here are the ex-players whose names still ignite boos and bitter memories at each Premier League club.

See also:PSG handed boost ahead of Champions League semi-final second leg with Arsenal

Arsenal (Robin van Persie)

Formerly Arsenal's captain and leading scorer, Van Persie’s transfer to Manchester United, where he promptly won the Premier League, enraged Gunners fans. His public letter justifying the move failed to soothe tensions, and many still brand him a traitor.

Aston Villa (Fabian Delph)

Fabian Delph, Aston Villa's captain in 2015, publicly vowed loyalty to the club amid interest from Manchester City. Just a week later, he joined City, a move that felt like a betrayal to Villa fans. His abrupt departure and reversal earned him the label of 'snake' among supporters.

Bournemouth (Ryan Fraser)

In the 2019-20 season, Ryan Fraser upset Bournemouth supporters by declining a short-term contract extension to aid the club’s relegation fight post-COVID-19 hiatus. Departing as a free agent after letting his contract expire, he left Bournemouth understrength in their struggle to remain in the Premier League. Many fans viewed his decision as disloyal and self-centered, given the club’s role in nurturing him into a top-flight player.

Brentford (Ivan Toney)

Ivan Toney shone at Brentford, driving their Premier League promotion and securing their status over four years. Yet, his repeated remarks about joining a 'top club' before his Saudi Arabia move alienated fans. Sidelined for parts of the 2023/24 season, his departure left lingering bitterness among some supporters.

Brighton (Glenn Murray)

Glenn Murray, one of Brighton's finest strikers, netted 111 goals in 287 matches for the Seagulls, per Transfermarkt. Yet, his 2011 move to rivals Crystal Palace stung many fans, a betrayal still felt by some. Murray's efforts aided Palace's promotion to the Premier League.

Chelsea (William Gallas)

William Gallas was a vital part of Chelsea’s ascent in the early 2000s but departed in 2006 amid controversy. A contract dispute and his insistence on playing centre-back led to Chelsea accusing him of threatening to score own goals and refusing to play unless transferred. His move to Arsenal, in a swap deal for Ashley Cole, enraged fans, and his later stint with Tottenham deepened the animosity.

Crystal Palace (Neil Ruddock)

Neil Ruddock's move to Crystal Palace in 2000, as a former Millwall fan, was doomed from the start. His poor attitude and frequent red cards for lashing out and clashing with referees only deepened the Palace fans' animosity toward him.

Everton (Nick Barmby)

Everton fans naturally resent players who defect to rivals Liverpool, but Nick Barmby's eager departure as a star player makes him their most despised traitor.

Fulham (Harvey Elliott)

Harvey Elliott, a standout teenage talent at Fulham, opted to join Liverpool in 2019 instead of signing a professional contract with the club. His exit frustrated Fulham supporters, who felt he departed prematurely without repaying the club’s investment in his development. Many also believed the compensation fee was far below what his potential warranted.

Ipswich Town (Marcus Bent)

Marcus Bent shone in his debut season at Ipswich Town, though the team faced relegation in 2001-02. He remained briefly in the Championship before a loan move to Leicester City, which left some Ipswich supporters questioning his dedication to the club’s promotion push. He later joined Everton permanently, departing without becoming a fan favorite.

Leicester City (Dennis Wise)

Dennis Wise's brief stint at Leicester City was notoriously turbulent. During his first preseason, he was sent home for fracturing Callum Davidson's nose in a dispute, leading Leicester to terminate his £3 million contract. Wise's subsequent legal challenge against the club was unsuccessful.

Liverpool (El Hadji Diouf)

Signed in 2002 to boost Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, Diouf’s poor goal-scoring record and disruptive behavior made him a target of fan backlash. Known for spitting incidents and clashing with Steven Gerrard, he alienated supporters, as crossing Gerrard is a sure way to lose Liverpool fans’ favor.