Arsenal fans have a theory that midfielder Granit Xhaka appeared to mock French star Paul Pogba after Switzerland's epic victory on penalties against France in Euro 2020.
The Swiss had to fight back from a 3-1 deficit to level the contest going into extra time. An extra 30 minutes couldn't settle the round of 16 tie, meaning penalties was going to decide the fate of the two sides.
As it was 5-4 to Switzerland in the shoot-out, with Kylian Mbappe poised to convert his spot-kick to send this shoot-out to sudden death.
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer had different ideas though, and his heroic save from Mbappe caused a volcanic red eruption in the National Arena Bucharest.
Jubilation and ecstasy were two feelings clearly seen on the faces of every Swiss fan in the stadium.
These distinctive emotions reflected in the magnitude of celebrations that took place also on the pitch after the final whistle.
And Arsenal fans were quick to spot what Xhaka did after the penalty shoot-out concluded.
Pogba scored a wonder goal for France to make it 3-1 in normal time and appeared to do the celebration which is known to youngsters as ‘ice in the veins.’
Seeing the Manchester United midfielder do that in the centre of the park clearly riled up the 28-year-old, as he was spotted Imitating that same celebration and shushing the camera after the Swiss prevailed in the shoot-out.
This is how Arsenal fans reacted on twitter after the incident.
@RowandMo said: “Pogba’s celebration gave Xhaka powers.”
@mdr1987 tweeted: “Looked like Xhaka was copying Pogba's celebration. Love it.”
@akhilarsenal98 said: “Bruv Xhaka saw that pogba celebrations and said nah. Elite mentality.”
@Stanlee_green tweeted: “Lol Xhaka dey mock the Pogba celebration.”
Xhaka looks set to make a summer transfer switch to join Jose Mourinho in Italy at AS Roma.
football.london understands Xhaka is close to joining Roma, and talks are at a final stage between the clubs to find an agreement on the fee.
This transfer is set to be finalised after Switzerland’s involvement in Euro 2020 ends.
Regardless of what happens in this transfer saga, the Swiss midfielder may have left the Arsenal fans with something to smile about despite his likely exit from the club.
