Xhaka clashed with Arsenal fans and did not apologise for four days

Granit Xhaka has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy and is likely to leave the club in the January transfer window.

Unai Emery told the Switzerland midfielder of the decision yesterday morning and the head coach did not say whether he would play for the club again. The 27-year-old has fallen out with Arsenal since he mouthed an expletive and cupped his ear in response to being booed by home fans when he was substituted during the Premier League game at home to Crystal Palace ten days ago.

Aubameyang will now wear the armband after Xhaka’s demotion KIERAN GALVIN/EPA

Xhaka was put under pressure by Emery to make an immediate apology but took four days to issue a statement that instead revealed the nature of vile abuse which made him reach “boiling point” and clash with