Granit Xhaka has tendered an apology to Arsenal fans after telling them to f**k off during his side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
The Arsenal captain mouthed off after he was substituted during the game. While making his way off the pitch, the fans booed him.
As the booing grew louder, Xhaka threw his arms in the air and cupped his ears. He then took off his shirt and said “f**k off” to the fans before heading straight to the tunnel.
Despite being told by manager Unai Emery to apologize immediately, Xhaka waited for four days before coming out with a statement which sees him saying his family was threatened.
In the statement, Xhaka wrote: ‘After taking some time to reflect on what happened on Sunday afternoon, I would like to give you an explanation rather than just a quick response. ‘The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and always give 100% on and off the pitch.
‘My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months have hurt me deeply. ‘People have said things like “We will break your legs”, “Kill your wife” and “Wish that your daughter gets cancer”.
‘That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday.
‘That has not been my intention and I’m sorry if that’s what people thought.
‘My wish is that we get back to a place of mutual respect, remembering why we fell in love with this game in the first place. Let’s move forward positively together.’