Granit Xhaka, Arsenal’s midfielder, involved in alleged racial abuse after EPL send off

ARSENAL midfielder Granit Xhaka has already earned the reputation as Europe’s new bad boy, now the Swiss star is at the centre of a shock alleged racial abuse incident.

Granit Xhaka of Arsenal walks off the pitch after being shown a red card.

ARSENAL midfielder Granit Xhaka has been interviewed by police over an allegation he racially abused a staff member at London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday.

The 24-year-old Switzerland international was not arrested but voluntarily attended a nearby police station after the incident was reported by a third party.

According to British media reports Xhaka, shown a red card in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday, was seeing off a friend when the alleged incident took place.

He is accused of saying “f***ing white b*tch” in German - an allegation he disputes.

“Police were called at 19:29 (1929 GMT) on Monday, 23 January following an allegation that a member of staff had been racially abused at Heathrow Airport, Terminal Five,” said a statement issued by London’s Metropolitan force on Tuesday.

“The allegation was made by a third party.

Granit Xhaka was shown his second red card for Arsenal.

“Officers attended and spoke with a man in his 20s. He was not arrested. He voluntarily attended a west London police station where he was interviewed under caution. Enquires continue.”

Arsenal responded to the incident by saying: “This is a private matter which is in the hands of the police.”

Xhaka joined Arsenal from German Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach for a fee in excess of £30 million ($38 million, 35 million euros) in pre-season.

Sunday’s dismissal came just when Xhaka was starting to put a run of games together in the Gunners’ first team, but he is now set to serve a four-match ban following his second red card this season.

Originally published as Granit Xhaka, Arsenal’s midfielder, involved in alleged racial abuse after EPL send off