GRANIT XHAKA is facing a three match ban after his controversial red card against Swansea.

Xhaka saw red after a cynical foul on Mo Barrow as Arsenal desperately tried to hold onto their lead at The Emirates.

4 Granit Xhaka received a red card for his tackle on Mo Barrow Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

4 Jon Moss sent Xhaka off on the 70th minute Credit: Reuters

Most in the ground expected the Gunners midfielder to be booked after hauling Barrow down from behind.

But referee Jon Moss brandished an immediate red card after deciding Xhaka had kicked his opponent rather than tripping him.

The straight red means Moss had deemed the challenge was serious foul play, which means an automatic three game ban.

And that leaves Xhaka facing up to being sidelined for the Premier League matches against Middlesbrough and Sunderland as well as the EFL Cup clash with Reading.

His loss has at least been softened by the return from injury of defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin.

Arsenal missed a handful of opportunities making it a tense ending but Swansea failed to make them pay for their lack of composure in front of goal.

4 Xhaka was on the field to celebrate Mesut Ozils winning goal Credit: Getty Images

Arsene Wenger admitted he felt the decision on Xhaka was harsh but he ruled out any appeal and said Xhaka needs to learn from his dismissal.

Wenger said: "It looked a harsh decision, more like a dark yellow - but then the red showed a bright red.

"There has to be an intelligence when you are making challenges though.

"I haven't spoken to him before about his discipline before her signed, if you look some of his challenges are maybe a little clumsy because he is a player that likes to attack.

"But I will speak to him now, he has to learn from it. "

4 Arsene Wenger believes the sending off was harsh Credit: Reuters

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