Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka’s fractious relationship with the club's supporters has plummeted to deeper depth after appearing to tell supporters to ‘f*** off’ before being substituted.
The Switzerland international is not the most popular player among Gunners supporters, and those at the Emirates made their feelings towards the midfielder crystal clear as he was substituted during the second half of the clash against Crystal Palace.
Home fans burst into ironic cheers when Xhaka’s number was held up to be replaced by youngster Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners skipper then gesticulated with arms to encourage the disgruntled fans to get behind the team.
But Xhaka’s attempt fell on deaf ears as the crowd then started to boo their captain because he was walking - not running off.
A visibly irate Xhaka reacted to the jeers by cupping his ear to the crowd before appearing to mouth ‘f*** off’ as he stormed down the tunnel. Xhaka ripped off his shirt off as he declined a seat back on the bench.
The flashpoint raises further questions over manager Unai Emery to appoint Xhaka as the club’s full time captain given a significant portion of Arsenal’s fanbase clearly not fully behind their anchorman.
deeney_deeney
859
you arsenal fans think you have problems trying being a man u fan this season ....thats when you will understand that arsenal is sitting on the throne
Desmondeyum
580
Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka: —Cheered when subbed off —Booed because he was walking —Cupped his ear to the crowd —Took his shirt off and walked down the tunnel 😳
Beenzu
556
Emery and Shaka we don't need you... How can you win Liverpool if you can't win Crystal Palace beenzu
Desmondeyum
417
Dont blame Xhaka Blame the one that appointed 5 captains and made Xhaka his leader. Emery is a disaster
Desmondeyum
145
Club captain Granit Xhaka was booed by Arsenal fans as he walked off, he then cupped his ear, told the fans to fuck off and threw his shirt to the ground. The club is a mess.
Dr1654
129
This is, quite frankly, bullying. Xhaka has been subjected to abuse all season and it’s clearly having an effect on his mental state. Whilst Xhaka is clearly not the most talented footballer, this doesn’t give arsenal fans permission to treat him like this. He didn’t ask to be captain. This situation is entirely Emery’s fault and this anger should be aimed at him.