Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has called for unity amongst the fans. The Spaniard, who was named in the Premier League squad for the first time this season leapt to the defence of his team-mate and captain Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international stormed off the pitch, throwing the captains arm-band on the floor and responding to fan criticism prompting many to call for him to be stripped of the captaincy.
Bellerin addressed the supporters the following day in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
We are all humans, we all have emotions, and sometimes it’s not easy dealing with them. It’s time to lift each other up, not to push each other away. We only win when we are together. #COYG pic.twitter.com/dkDI7M3xew
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) October 28, 2019
And it appears lots of the clubs supporters agree with Bellerin’s short but poignant statement.
Spot on Hector #StrongerTogether
— Karen Russell (@Kazza9668) October 28, 2019
Well said Hector ?
— Country Boy John (@john_mark95) October 28, 2019
Prompting some to express their desire to see the 24-year-old given the captaincy.
Should have been “voted” as captain.
— Red White Gooner ??? (@RedWhite_Gooner) October 28, 2019
The captain has spoken ?
— Sam Goodman (@SamGoodman990) October 28, 2019
The real captain in our team.
— ™? (@AfcNas) October 28, 2019
My captain ??????
— Samuel™ (@AFCSamueI) October 28, 2019
What do we think?
Bellerin has shown himself to be a responsible and articulate individual in recent years. He’s often used his influence and reach to campaign for good causes and raise awareness around important issues such as mental health and climate change.
Assuming Xhaka is going to be stripped of the captaincy, Hector seems like a sensible choice. He has the backing of the supporters and carries himself in a way that would no doubt represent the club in a positive light.
It’s not the ideal circumstance in which to be passed the armband but this could represent an opportunity for the Spaniard to take on the mantle, reunite the fans and the playing staff and drive Arsenal on to achieve Champions League qualification.