Charlie Nicholas does not believe Granit Xhaka can rescue his Arsenal career after his shocking outburst during the draw with Crystal Palace.
Xhaka clashed with his own fans after his substitution was greeted by sarcastic cheers in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with London rivals Palace.
The Switzerland international goaded the frustrated supporters inside the Emirates by cupping his ears at the boos and was seen mouthing ‘f**k off’ as he stormed down the tunnel.
Xhaka was named Unai Emery’s permanent captain last month but Gunners hero Nicholas now doubts whether he will ever play for the club again.
‘Xhaka is the current captain, but I don’t think he will be captain anymore after what he did at the weekend,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘The fact he didn’t instantly apologise tells you he’s upset, angry and I’m sure it’s a horrible feeling for him.
‘But that anger must be controlled. If you don’t have a thick skin you can’t be a footballer.
‘The fans will always be an element of the football club and they’re bigger and better than anything else involved.
‘He has to take his medicine but I’ll be surprised if he comes back in any capacity to play for Arsenal again.’
Arsenal are said to be considering whether to strip Xhaka of the captaincy following the incident and Emery criticised his reaction.
‘He’s wrong but we are going to speak inside about that situation,’ Emery told BBC Match of the Day. ‘I want to be calm but, really, he was wrong in this action.’
Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead on Sunday as Crystal Palace fought back from 2-0 down to secure a point in north London.
