Today’s back pages: Hector Bellerin urges Arsenal fans to forgive Granit Xhaka
A round-up of the sport headlines from UK newspapers on 29 October
Bellerin begs fans to stop Xhak flak
The Daily Mirror and Daily Star report that Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has pleaded with the club’s supporters to forgive captain Granit Xhaka.
Swiss midfielder Xhaka was booed by fans when substituted during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
He then responded by cupping his ear, telling fans to “f*** off”, taking off his shirt and storming down the tunnel.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Mirror says the “monumental strop” could see Xhaka lose the Arsenal captaincy, but Spanish full-back Bellerin wants to see unity within the club.
Bellerin said on Twitter: “We are all humans, we all have emotions, and sometimes it’s not easy dealing with them. It’s time to lift each other up, not to push each other away. We only win when we are together. #COYG.”
Metro says that senior Arsenal players have rallied around under-fire skipper Xhaka.
‘Unai of the storm’
The Sun adds that Arsenal boss Unai Emery is feeling heat from the board and is fearing a dressing room revolt if he takes the captain’s armband off Xhaka.
Spaniard Emery has failed to improve results since replacing Arsene Wenger and is facing “mounting boardroom scrutiny”.
‘Mayhemirates’ meltdown: Arsenal boss Unai Emery facing the sack as pressure mounts
Today’s newspaper back pages
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published