Xhaka in racism ruckus

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been interviewed by police over an allegation he racially abused a staff member at London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday.

The 24-year-old Switzerland international was not arrested but voluntarily appeared a nearby police station after the incident was reported by a third party.

According to British media reports, Xhaka, who was sent off for a rash tackle in the Gunners’ 2-1 Premier League win over Burnley on Sunday, was seeing off a friend when the alleged incident occurred.

“Police were called on Monday, 23 January, following an allegation that a member of staff had been racially abused at Heathrow Airport, terminal five,” said a London Metropolitan Police statement on Tuesday.

“The allegation was made by a third party.

“Officers attended and spoke with a man in his 20s. He was not arrested. He voluntarily attended a west London police station where he was interviewed under caution. Inquiries continue.”

Arsenal responded to the incident by saying: “This is a private matter which is in the hands of the police.”

Defensive midfielder Xhaka joined Arsenal from German club Borussia Monchengladbach for around $38 million last summer.

Sunday’s dismissal came just when Xhaka was starting to establish himself in the Gunners’ starting XI, but he will now serve a four-match suspension following his second red card this season.