Many Arsenal fans appear to have mixed opinions on Granit Xhaka’s reaction to being cheered off at the Emirates on Sunday.
According to BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty, Xhaka was taken off by Unai Emery to the delight of cheering Arsenal fans at the Emirates. The midfielder reacted by cupping his ear towards the crowd before reportedly swearing at the supporters, taking his top off and walking straight down the tunnel.
And these fans appear to have mixed opinions to his reaction, with some suggesting he was wrong to behave in that manner, while others place their blame on the supporters at the Emirates.
Twitter: @philmcnulty He has every right to react the way he did, whether he plays good or bad he’s always gonna get booed, disgraceful from the fans (@KTFRND)
Twitter: Booing your captain is poor but Xhaka’s reaction was even more poor. He disrespected the fans, the manager, his own… https://t.co/aSgC1gEy6T (@Aubazettes)
Twitter: That’s bad from Xhaka but awful game management from the manager who made him the lightning rod as captain.
It’s a… https://t.co/4IKRqxliyT (@beautifulgroan)
Twitter: Do I like Xhaka? No
Should Xhaka be our captain? No
Should Xhaka start? No
Did Xhaka deserve that? Absolutely not. (@TheLankyGunner)
READ ARSENAL VERDICT
Xhaka’s reaction is certainly something that will no doubt dominate the headlines on Monday morning, and possibly throughout the whole of next week.
It’s an incredibly tricky situation to take a stance on, as blame can be given to all involved.
While Xhaka’s reaction is understandable to an extent, as club captain or even just a professional footballer, criticism like this is part and parcel of the game and must be handled in a more appropriate manner.
However, he is only human and to receive such a reception from Arsenal fans would likely test any of us if we were in a similar situation.
Those who greeted his substitution with such a response are equally responsible, as is Unai Emery, whose management of Xhaka has also come under fire following the incident.
