Cole Palmer Responds to Madueke Boos Amid Chelsea Fan Backlash

Noni Madueke was given a frosty reception on his first return to Stamford Bridge since his controversial move to Arsenal — and his old friend Cole Palmer seemed to find the moment rather amusing.

The 22-year-old winger, who joined Arsenal in a £48 million summer transfer after 18 months at Chelsea, was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home crowd when he came off the bench during Sunday’s fiery London derby.

Madueke, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, started on the bench but was introduced midway through the second half by Mikel Arteta, replacing Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal searched for a late breakthrough.

As the stadium announcer read out his name, the Chelsea supporters made their feelings clear, jeering loudly as the England international jogged onto the pitch. Cameras caught Cole Palmer, his close friend and former teammate, grinning and nodding towards the crowd as the boos echoed around Stamford Bridge — a gesture many fans took as light-hearted approval of the teasing.

Cole Palmer and Madueke have been close since their teenage years, first meeting in 2017 while representing England’s youth teams. The pair later reunited at Chelsea in 2023 and quickly struck up a strong bond, often seen together in training sessions and social media posts before Madueke’s shock move across London.

While the reception from the stands was harsh, the winger also faced some good-natured rivalry on the pitch. At one point, Enzo Fernández celebrated an interception in front of Madueke with a roar towards the crowd, drawing laughter from several Chelsea players.

Despite the tension during the match, the atmosphere softened at full time. Madueke shared an embrace with Reece James, his former captain, before exchanging a few words with Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana, who all appeared keen to welcome him back in good spirits.

Madueke left Chelsea in search of regular football after struggling to cement a starting place under Enzo Maresca, and Arsenal’s promise of a key attacking role proved too tempting to turn down.

Still, his return to west London showed that Chelsea fans haven’t forgiven the move just yet — and if the playful nod from Palmer was anything to go by, his old teammates haven’t missed the chance to join in the banter either.