By Tom Sanders
Granit Xhaka's time at Arsenal is up following his angry reaction to the club's fans on Sunday, claims former Premier League striker Darren Bent.
Xhaka was booed by fans during the Gunners 2-2 draw against Palace at the Emirates yesterday when his name was called out to be substituted midway through the second half.
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As he trudged miserably off the pitch to jeers from the home crowd, the Swiss international told fans to 'f**k off', cupped his hands to his ears and stripped off his shirt as he stormed straight down the tunnel.
The incident has sparked a furious debate in the footballing world about the relationship between players, coaches and supporters.
And in an interview with talkSPORT, former Spurs striker and lifelong Arsenal fan Darren Bent claims that Xhaka's behaviour has disrespected Arsenal and that there is 'no way back' for him now at the club.
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"Once you tell the fans to f-off, take the shirt off and go straight down the tunnel, that's it at the club" Bent said.
"I don't like when fans boo their own players, but when you have that reaction you're giving in. There's frustration in there as well because he's not happy with his own performance, he hasn't been playing very well.
"But his reaction to the crowd and even to the manager, and to take your shirt off and storm down the tunnel , for me there's no coming back from that.
"Him walking off slowly is bad, you need to get off the pitch quicker, but the moment you disrespect the shirt you show a lack of respect to your team-mates, people who have played for the club in the past and everyone associated with the club.
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"What makes it worse is he's the captain. As captain you set an example. You're at the forefront at everything. If the team is not playing well you're going to get criticism first and your team-mates are going to look at you.
"What happens next? The next time he walks out of the pitch he's going to get it even more from the fans.
"They'll never forgive him for that."
When asked his thoughts about who he believes should replace Xhaka as captain, Bent said that there was only one real candidate.
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"The only one name I can think of - and it could come too soon - is [Matteo] Guendouzi. He gives absolutely everything every time he plays.
"Is that too much pressure to heap on a kid who is only 20? Probably a little bit, but at the same time, who else can you pick?
"Xhaka needs to look at Guendouzi who is doing everything he should be doing and is only 20.
"He never throws the towel in."
Featured Image Credit: TwitterTopics: gunners, Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, Darren Bent