Emery: Xhaka should apologise to fans

Unai Emery has refused to confirm if Granit Xhaka will retain the Arsenal captaincy or face punishment for swearing at supporters – but called for him to issue an apology.

The 27-year-old was jeered as he was substituted in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and responded by waving his arms, cupping his ears and mouthing “f*** off” before refusing to shake Emery’s hand and taking off his shirt as he headed down the tunnel.

Asked ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool at Anfield if Xhaka would remain captain, Emery said: “I don’t want to speak about that. The first is for him to recover. Now he is upset, devastated and sad. He is feeling the supporters don’t like him. He trained as normal with the group (and) his commitment with the club is a great commitment every time.asked if he felt Xhaka should have said sorry, he replied: “Yes.”

Emery confirmed Xhaka will not travel to Liverpool, insisting that decision was made before Sunday’s antics.

Fred will continue to deputise for Paul Pogba in the Manchester

United side at Chelsea tonight, the French midfielder expected to be out until December due to an ankle injury.

In tonight’s other fourthround tie, Aston Villa keeper Tom Heaton is relishing a red-hot atmosphere in their Midlands derby at home to Wolves, who are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions and seeking their first win at Villa Park since 2011.

“The lads have been talking about how hostile that will be. A local derby, under the lights, it’ll be a great atmosphere,” he said.