Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has called for Granit Xhaka to be stripped of the captaincy.
This comes after the Gunners skipper swore at supporters in response to being heavily booed as he was substituted during the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Many Arsenal legends including Ian Wright and Nigel Winterburn have called for a change of captain and Petit - who has never been Xhaka's biggest fan - has echoed those thoughts after liking the Switzerland international's actions as a "betrayal".
"I have never seen something like what happened with Granit Xhaka before," Petit told Paddy Power. "For me, he can’t be the Arsenal captain any longer. It’s impossible.
"What he did was unacceptable.
"What he did on the pitch is one thing, I’ve made it clear that I don’t know what he adds to the team.
"But what Xhaka did as he left the pitch is totally different. You can’t do that – it’s like betrayal in England.
"I played with guys like Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira – real leaders, big captains – and they showed the personality and character of what it means to be Arsenal captain, whatever happened on the pitch.
"Adams and Vieira always respected the fans – I don’t think Xhaka understands what it means to be a supporter in England. He doesn’t know the love those people have for the club and the players, they always support you. I appreciate my time in England because of that.
"I have witnessed fans booing players before, of course, but not like this.
"The anger was something else.
"It’s clear, they don’t want Xhaka to play for Arsenal any more."
Reports following the incident on Sunday afternoon claim that Emery fears a dressing-room revolt will take place should he opt to strip Xhaka of the captain's armband.
It's also claimed that some senior squad members couldn't believe the treatment of the 27-year-old.
Emery is scheduled to speak to the media at his pre-Liverpool press conference this afternoon where the topic of Xhaka's future should come up.
Emmanuel Petit was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News. To read more, visit news.paddypower.com
