This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
On November 1, 2019, Granit Xhaka sparked controversy after being jeered off the pitch during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
Five days later, the Swiss captain issued a statement apologizing for his actions, which included cupping his ear and taking his shirt off as he made his way down the tunnel.
In the statement, Xhaka explained that he had been deeply moved by the scenes that took place around his substitution, and that he had been subjected to repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months.
He cited examples of the abuse he had received, including threats to his family's safety, and acknowledged that he had let himself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support the club.
Xhaka expressed his wish for the team to get back to a place of mutual respect, and for fans to remember why they fell in love with the game in the first place.
His post on social media was liked by his international teammates and former Arsenal stars Stephan Lichtsteiner and Johan Djourou.
