Granit Xhaka backed by Swiss FA after Arsenal captain comes under fire

The Swiss FA have come out in support of Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and said “his standing will not change” in the wake of Sunday’s events against Crystal Palace .

Xhaka reacted angrily when being booed by supporters following his substitution against Palace, cupping his ear to the crowd and allegedly telling them to “f*** off”.

Neither Arsenal or the midfielder have made any statement regarding the incident, but it is understood possible sanctions including fining Xhaka and even demoting him from the club captaincy are on the table.

However the Swiss FA have now come out in support of the 27-year-old, who is the national team’s captain.

A spokesperson from The Swiss FA told Standard Sport: “We are in contact with Granit.

“We appreciate the qualities and the importance he possesses for the national team. As a result, his standing will not change.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal head coach Unai Emery is weighing up whether to leave Granit Xhaka out of his starting line-up for Wednesday's night’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at Liverpool .