On this day in 2019, captain Granit Xhaka turned on Arsenal supporters after being booed off the pitch during a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners had surrendered a two-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium when Xhaka was replaced by Bukayo Saka in the 61st minute.
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The Swiss midfielder reacted angrily to the jeers, cupping his ear towards the crowd and appearing to swear at supporters before removing his shirt and storming down the tunnel.
#OnThisDay in 2019🗓️ Booed off and stripped of the club captaincy..
Oct 2022 🗓️ Scored more goals this season (4) than his previous three seasons combined
The Granit Xhaka redemption 🔥
https://t.co/6cilrqmDTC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2022
The incident sparked widespread controversy, with manager Unai Emery subsequently stripping Xhaka of the captaincy and handing the armband to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Xhaka later revealed that repeated abuse and threats directed at his family had pushed him to breaking point, explaining the frustration behind his outburst.
Photo: X/@SkySportsPL
