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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Granit Xhaka 'left Emirates before final whistle' and was visited at home by team-mates

Granit Xhaka reportedly left the Emirates early and was later visited at home by three of his Arsenal team-mates after he swore at Gunners fans who booed him off the pitch.

The Arsenal captain had his number called in the second half of the draw against Crystal Palace, and Unai Emery's decision to take the midfielder off was met with ironic cheering.

Fans then began booing the Switzerland international as he made his way off the pitch, prompting Xhaka to react negatively to the stick he was receiving.

He began by goading the fans, cupping his ears and shouting "f*** off" before removing his Arsenal shirt and storming off down the tunnel to the changing room.

Granit Xhaka reportedly left the Emirates early (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to The Atheltic, sources claim that Xhaka left the Emirates stadium early, before the game had even concluded, although a club spokesman didn't confirm this.

The report added that Xhaka was later visited at his house by three senior Gunners players, who offered him some comfort - but none of the trio are named.

Emery was asked about Xhaka's conduct following the fixture and admitted the midfielder's actions were wrong.

Xhaka swore at Arsenal fans as he left the pitch (Visionhaus)

He said: "We need to stay calm, speak to him internally about that. We are working with the club and the players to play under pressure.

"We are going to speak with him because the reaction was wrong. We are here because we have supporters. We work for them and need to have respect for them when they are applauding us and criticising us."

Hector Bellerin took to Twitter on Monday where he called for unity.

Unai Emery admitted the midfielder's actions were wrong (ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/REX)

"We are all humans, we all have emotions, and sometimes it's not easy dealing with them," tweeted the Gunners right-back.

"It's time to lift each other up, not to push each other away. We only win when we are together."

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