Should Granit Xhaka be stripped off his captaincy?

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Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates was overshadowed by an unwanted incident involving Granit Xhaka.

The Swissman reacted questionably and walked straight down the tunnel after being booed by the home fans. In his post-game press conference, Unai Emery said that Xhaka was wrong and the matter would be dealt with internally.

Xhaka’s reaction is understandable

Xhaka has been a scapegoat among a section of the fans for a long time now. The Swiss international, along with Shkodran Mustafi, have been criticised time and again for their performances but the duo are hardly ever appreciated when they put in a good shift.

Constant criticism and abuses hurled your way would have an impact on anybody and Xhaka is no different. A player’s fame, exorbitant wages and the media’s portrayal of him often make people forget that he is only a human being too and that’s something that the modern-day fans need to understand.

Change in captaincy could cause further problems

This by no means is a defence of his actions. Xhaka, a professional footballer and the captain of his club and country, should have controlled his emotions better. He will have to face the actions that the club sanction but should he be stripped off his captaincy?

That would be unnecessary and it would add to the negativity surrounding the club at the moment. Lucas Torreira, for one. was distraught on the touchline to see his captain go through that and the rest of the squad would have felt the same.

Taking the armband away from Xhaka would send a wrong message to the members who voted for him. It would also make it clear that Arsenal, as a club, condones player abuse from its own supporters.

An internal discussion between the club and Xhaka should be enough for everyone to move on. The club should also make a statement condemning the abuse towards the players and make sure that the they are more protected on and off the field.