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Ex-Arsenal captains Fabregas and Van Persie behaved much worse than Xhaka says Carragher
Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has received plenty of criticism since Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Jamie Carragher admits he feels sorry for Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and says his behaviour has not been as bad as former Gunners captains.
Xhaka hit the headlines with his angry reaction to criticism from his own supporters while being substituted in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Switzerland star appeared to swear towards the crowd before storming down the tunnel.
Head coach Unai Emery has received calls to strip Xhaka of the captaincy since the weekend.
There’s a lot of people who have done a lot worse who have been captain for Arsenal who haven’t taken that stick
Carragher does not think Xhaka can continue with the armband but says previous captains such as Laurent Koscielny, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas behaved much worse than the 27-year-old has.
“I think it might be difficult for him to continue as captain now because of what happened,” the Liverpool legend said on Sky Sports.
“But actually going back to the scenes, I actually feel a little bit sorry for him.
“He gets a lot of criticism, that’s for his playing ability. Okay, he’s not having a good season, he’s probably not the greatest Arsenal midfield player we’ve ever seen.
“But I think criticism like that for a player should come when people refuse to play.
“The last captain did that, he wouldn’t go on the pre-season tour Koscielny.
“If you think of people before that, Van Persie desperate to move to Manchester United, Fabregas desperate to go to Barcelona - [Xhaka’s] just not playing well.
“He’s actually played more games for Arsenal since he joined the club than anyone.
“You can’t forget it’s an emotional game, so I’m not going to have a go at the Arsenal fans, because they’re emotional, the game’s not going well against Palace, they react.
“He then reacts because he cares, yes it’s not right. The biggest mistake he’s made is not apologising, everyone makes mistakes, apologise for it.
“But there’s a lot of people who have done a lot worse who have been captain for Arsenal who haven’t taken that stick.”