XHAKA: TROLLS KILLING GAME

ARSENAL V BENFICA 5.55PM

GRANIT XHAKA is ready to confront anyone who abuses him online after warning social media is “killing football”.

The Arsenal midfielder spoke about the threats and abuse he says are directed at him, his wife and young child before challenging the keyboard cowards to say it to his face.

He has been targeted on social media and a report found that 1,374 posts after the defeat by Burnley in December were potentially abusive, including racism and threats of violence. Xhaka, above, said: “I’m the guy on the pitch, it’s not my wife, my little one or my

family. If you want to criticise, criticise me. I wish I could meet these people, sit with them and ask, ‘Why are you writing these things’?

“If I showed the others what they write, I think I have to close my social media, everyone has to EURO VISION: Arteta says it is vital his team progress close social media. I say that before and I will say that now and in the future as well, it is only about me.

“So you have to open our eyes, because I think you kill football like this if the people start to speak about a player or their families or things like this.”

Arsenal said: “We cannot and will not let hateful abuse become a normalised part of the game.”

Tonight, Xhaka will try to help the Gunners see off Benfica with their last-32 Europa League tie level at 1-1. Manager Mikel Arteta said of the game: “It’s huge because the club has to be represented in Europe, 100 per cent.”

ARSENAL (probable): Leno; Bellerin, Gabriel, Luiz, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette.