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Ian Wright calls on Granit Xhaka to apologise to fans after telling them to "f*** off"


Arsenal legend Ian Wright said Granit Xhaka should say sorry to supporters after he taunted them and told them to “f*** off” during his team’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace .

After Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead Xhaka was substituted on the 61st minute, drawing sarcastic cheers from the crowd, who seemed less than impressed with his performance.

That cheering turned to anger as Xhaka took his time to leave the pitch, and amid the abuse the 27-year-old cupped his ears and appeared to shout an expletive.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright said there was no excuse for the midfielder’s behaviour.

Granit Xhaka appeared furious with supporters when they cheered him being substituted

“Players getting booed is not the best, but this is the captain,” Wright said.

“They are frustrated that he hasn’t run off the pitch. I’ve seen him before bolt off when he’s substituted. He’s walked off and then he goads them.

“We’re talking about fans who have watched him play a handful of good games in three years. And he’s treating them like that.”

Under-pressure Arsenal manager Unai Emery admitted Xhaka’s reaction was wrong, and said he would talk to the player in private about the incident .

But Wright believes it is down to the player to try to make things right with the supporters.

The midfielder ripped off his shirt and stormed down the tunnel after the incident

Wright added: “He should apologise. That’s the guy Arsenal have chosen as captain. That’s not captain behaviour.

“Arsenal fans have been patient with him. He owes them a lot more than that. He’s got the responsibility. You can’t go on like that. The manager has faith in him and he’s done that.”

It remains to be seen whether Xhaka will face those same supporters when Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday to take on Wolves , and it is anybody’s guess what kind of reaction he will face if he is named in the team.





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