Mesut Ozil, one of many figures who continue to split the Arsenal fanbase, has sent out a message which touches upon the recent controversy surrounding club captain Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss midfielder endured an unpleasant altercation with the fans during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, with the Gunners throwing away a 2-0 lead to share the spoils. The skipper was taken off in the second half and was met with jeers and boos as he strolled off the pitch.
Xhaka responded to this by goading the supporters and cupping his ears. He then aimed profanity at the fans and ripped off the shirt before storming down the tunnel.
Emery has spoken about this incident and was interrogated in a pre-match press conference for their upcoming League Cup clash with Liverpool. While the manager admitted that the player was in the wrong, Unai refused to reveal whether the midfielder will be fined or stripped of the captaincy, instead insisting that he is devastated by the incident and is in need of counseling.
Ozil, who has been on the wrong side of several fans and now recently the manager, took to social media to address the issue. While his post was centered on their crucial Anfield game, the German called for unity, which is a rallying cry amid the Xhaka incident.
“Big game ahead. No matter what – the only way is standing together as one,” the German playmaker wrote on Instagram.
Emery revealed that the former Real Madrid midfielder has returned to the squad for Wednesday’s round of 16 game after being frozen out. Whether he will start is another issue but his call-up could bring much-needed creativity to the north London giants’ midfield.
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