Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken in defence of Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka following his reaction to Arsenal fans' boos against Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old has since issued a statement explaining why he reacted in the fashion that he did highlighting the abuse he received on social media and at matches.
Unai Emery has confirmed that Xhaka will not start for Arsenal in their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.
"Hopefully the fans can forgive Xhaka and the player can show what an incredible player he is," Guardiola said to Manchester Evening News .
"We have to respect our supporters. It is not easy for the players sometimes.
"I understand Xhaka, the emotions, the moment, I don’t know what’s going on inside."
Very active on the touchline, like Xhaka, Guardiola has let his emotions get the best of him at times.
In the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool, he was sent to the stands for his protests against Leroy Sane's disallowed goal. As a result he was given a two-match touchline ban by UEFA.
"Maybe I’m not the right man to say because sometimes I cannot control my emotions," the 48-year-old added.
"It’s happened because sometimes you lose control."
The Swiss took the week to reflect upon his actions and his statement came four days after the incident.
He did not travel to Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool and despite training all week, Unai Emery has not said when he will be back in the starting line-up.
"The first is the person. The human, like everyone, feels. Xhaka’s issues last week is one issue that needs time. He needs time to recover the normality in him." Emery said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wolves.
