Saquon Barkley defends Eagles fans against Rams player ‘hate’ over fangirl controversy

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As Philadelphia Eagles fans face national scrutiny following a viral video of them verbally assaulting a woman, star running back Saquon Barkley has come to their defense.

As the Eagles prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs on Sunday, Rams quarterback Jared Vers expressed his disdain for Eagles fans in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. The quote comes days after Eagles fan Ryan Caldwell was fired for a video of him insulting a female Green Bay Packers fan during last Sunday’s game.

“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse said. “They are so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”

Barkley was asked by reporters about Vers’ comments before the game and suggested the Rams starter’s decision to say those things was “not smart.”

“It’s probably not the smartest thing to say if you’re coming to Philadelphia,” Barkley told reporters on Friday.

Barkley cited his previous experience as an opponent to play in Philadelphia when he was with the New York Giants from 2018-23.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaves the dugout for the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-Images)

“I was on the other side, I felt some kind of way,” Barkley said. “Maybe I won’t give them any more fuel.”

When Barkley takes the field on Sunday, Breakfast expects to receive a particularly rude greeting.

“I’m sure Philly fans saw that comment. It’s already loud and jarring, so it just adds to it,” Barkley said.

Quote has been one of the harshest vocal critics of Eagles fans since Caldwell’s viral recording. The quote was that the game was in Los Angeles, and he heard the screams of Eagles fans even though he was wearing headphones.

“I didn’t do anything though. It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans,” Verse said.

The Eagles won that game 37-20, and Barkley ran wild, racking up 302 scrimmage yards, including 255 rushing yards with two touchdowns.

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Jared's verse in action

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is pushed out of bounds by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Number (right) during the first half at Sophie Stadium. (Alex Gallardo-Imag Images)

Meanwhile, Caldwell was fired as a project manager at BCT Partners after the video. Insults went viral. He apologized but defended himself saying his actions “were not without provocation” and that the viral video “doesn’t show the full context” of what happened.

“While attending an NFL game last Sunday to support my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, an incident occurred that I deeply regret,” Caldwell said in a statement.

“What started out as a couple of Packers fans sitting next to me turned into something serious and I said some unacceptable things. During the warm-up I chose unforgivable words to address one of the fans, Mrs. Ali Keller.

“For these words, I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller and my husband, my family and friends, my former employer and co-workers, the Packers fans, the Eagles fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the city of Philadelphia and everyone who was offended. . There are two sides to every story.

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Ryan Caldwell at Lincoln Financial Field

Ryan Caldwell is known to be the fan who verbally abused a Packer fan. (X/@Basaraski)

“The video clip circulating online does not represent the full context of what happened, and my actions were not without anger. I live with this experience, and I will certainly pay a personal price. For those who do not know me, this incident does not reflect my values ​​or the respect I have for others and it does not represent who I am.

The viral video was filmed by Keller’s fiancé, Alexander Basara, and quickly spread across the Internet in the days following the Eagles’ 22-10 win.

Caldwell’s apology and news of his firing prompted a wave of jubilation and jeers from sports fans on social media.

Eagles fans have a long history of unruly behavior.

The franchise’s former home, Veterans Stadium, had an on-site referee’s court and a jail cell for law-breaking fans.

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