Granit Xhaka involved in confrontation with supporters as history repeats itself for former Arsenal midfielder

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Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka made the headlines after being involved in a confrontation. 

Xhaka left Arsenal in the summer of 2023 on the back of a magnificent 2022/23 campaign in the Premier League. 

After departing, the Switzerland international took a piece of Arsenal with him to Bayer Leverkusen, going the season unbeaten with Xabi Alonso’s side in the Bundesliga. 

It wasn’t only an invincible campaign that Xhaka took with him from the Emirates to Germany, but also a less admirable trait, as the world saw after Leverkusen’s cup defeat. 

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Granit Xhaka confronts Bayer Leverkusen fans

Leverkusen are six points behind Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table, putting their hopes of retaining the title in doubt.

While there are still 21 points to play for in the Bundesliga, one piece of silverware that Xhaka’s side won’t be winning is the DFB Pokal.

Leverkusen were knocked out by third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld, sparking ugly scenes at full-time, scenes that Xhaka was very much a part of.

The midfielder approached the Leverkusen fans and matched their anger, seeing supporters and the former Arsenal star exchange heated words after the defeat.

Xhaka was drawn into the heated confrontation and was furious at the feedback from fans, seeing the 32-year-old make frustrated hand gestures in the direction of the supporter he was talking to.

Xhaka’s fall-out with Arsenal fans in 2019

Unfortunately, unsavoury scenes between Xhaka and fans are something Arsenal supporters have seen before. 

Players are people too, and Xhaka has the right to defend himself against unacceptable behaviour, with drama seeming to follow the Swiss midfielder. 

In 2019, Xhaka was booed off the pitch at the Emirates by fans, seeing the player respond by jeering at the crowd and then taking his shirt off and heading down the tunnel.

It was a poignant moment in Xhaka’s Arsenal career and one that he somehow recovered from, leaving the club four years later as an adored figure.

Tensions were high at the Emirates on that occasion, just as they were following Leverkusen’s cup exit, resulting in Xhaka being caught up in a feud once again.