Xhaka issue: Emery mum

London

– Arsenal will offer counselling to Granit Xhaka (above) after the Gunners captain found himself in trouble for swearing at his own fans, according to reports in the British press.

Xhaka cupped his ears and gesticulated towards Arsenal fans who booed him when he was substituted during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

The 27-year-old appeared to shout “f**k off” at the crowd as he stormed towards the tunnel and pulled off his shirt.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery admitted Xhaka was wrong to react that way and refused to confirm if he would remain skipper.

Xhaka has held three meetings with Emery since the incident but the club are putting the player’s welfare ahead of any quick decision over his future.

Reports in the British media on Tuesday said counselling would be offered should Xhaka decide on such a course of action, with Emery describing the midfielder’s mood as “upset, devastated and very sad”.

It is also believed the outburst was a reaction to cumulative issues which have built up over time, including social media posts targeting Xhaka and his family.

It is understood Xhaka has been made aware by the club of the benefits of apologising, but he is so far not in the right frame of mind to do so and is keen for any subsequent acknowledgement of wrongdoing to be genuine.

“At the moment I don’t want to speak about that,” Emery replied when asked if Xhaka could lose the captaincy. –