Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has finally broken his silence following the incident which took place at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday during the game versus Crystal Palace. The Swiss international was accused of disrespecting the club’s supporters after appearing to goad them and throwing the captains armband to the floor.
Unai Emery told the press earlier in the week that Xhaka was “wrong” and should have apologised. However, the 27-year-old remained silent before releasing a message on Thursday evening but that has failed to diffuse the situation with many still calling for him to leave and demanding a more sincere apology.
Please leave the club
— Silviu Petcu ????????? (@silviu_petcu) October 31, 2019
Sell him
— Alex (@wkrd17) October 31, 2019
Boring Granit?! Got no values of being a captain
— #EmeryOutNow ™ ??? (@ProfCymOhAFC) October 31, 2019
This wasn’t an apology ??. Nowhere does this say “ I apologize “
— Guendouzi FC (@afcsultan1) October 31, 2019
That’s not an apology. Have no problem with him addressing specific fans who have abused him harshly and not wanting to apologise to them, but his slow walk off the field was a disrespectful action to ALL fans, I don’t want an explanation I want an apology.
— Simon – 4RF (@Simon4RF) October 31, 2019
Terminate his contract at this very moment
— rahul (@isssacuIe) October 31, 2019
What do we think?
No player or person should be forced to endure the type of abuse that Xhaka highlights in his statement. The supporters are entitled to have their opinions on a players footballing ability but on more than one occasion, as noted by the 27-year-old, they have crossed the line and there is absolutely no excuse for some of the vitriol he has been subjected to.
Xhaka’s “message”, as he refers it to, was very carefully worded. His intention was not to disrespect those who support him and the team in a positive manner and is “sorry if that’s what people thought”. The Swiss midfielder labelled his comments as an explanation rather than an apology and that’s why some supporters are still unhappy with him.
What’s happened has happened and it’s important the Arsenal supporters move on from this and quickly. Xhaka may not have the backing of the entire fan base but, from what we’ve heard this week, he has the backing of the players and the last thing Emery needs is a rift between his squad and the fans.