Wenger Backs Decision To Strip Xhaka Of Arsenal’s Captaincy

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has backed the decision of Unai Emery to remove Granit Xhaka from the Gunners leadership group.

Naija News reports that Xhaka threw his arms up in the air and cupped his ears after his substitution was greeted by boos during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

He was also seen mouthing “f*** off” at the Arsenal fans and removed his shirt before storming down the tunnel.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery had called on his captain to issue an apology to the fans, with many pundits urging the club to strip him of his captaincy.

The Switzerland captain, however, released a statement on Thursday explaining why he reacted that way to Arsenal fans.

Xhaka claimed that the life of his wife and child was threatened by some fans of Arsenal.

However, ahead of the Gunners Europa League match against Vitoria SC, Unai Emery revealed that Xhaka was no longer part of the Gunners’ leadership group.

He added that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been confirmed as the new skipper.

Speaking to beIN Sport, Wenger said swift action was necessary to set the right example by the club.

“You have to make as a manager these types of decisions.

“You face the unexpected as a manager and have to make quick decisions.

“I think Arsenal Football Club is respected all over the world because it’s built on values and everybody has to respect these values and the manager has to get them to be respected.

“Arsenal for me always had a touch of class and for me, football today in the modern era, has a huge responsibility on the way we behave, on the way we are examples or not and Arsenal is part of the big clubs in the world that has to show that,” Wenger said.