Granit Xhaka Gets Away With Shocking Challenge On Raphinha, Caught Laughing With The Referee

Granit Xhaka was extremely lucky to avoid a red card following his shocking challenge on Raphinha during Leeds United vs. Arsenal.

Just after the break, Xhaka was involved in one of the game's major talking points.

Image: PA

He horrifically lunged into a tackle with Raphinha, catching him directly on the ankle that sent the Brazilian winger to the floor in agony.

Match referee Andre Marriner, though, did NOT brandish any card for the Swiss midfielder to the anger of fans and critics online.

Gary Neville, who was on commentary duty, took exception to the player's reaction as he smiled while Raphinha was stricken on the ground.

Then, moments later, Joe Gelhardt picked up a caution for a similarly reckless tackle on Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Needless to say, Marriner failing to send off Xhaka sent social media wild.

One tweeted: "And the ref proceeds to book a Leeds player for a tackle like that one 2 minutes later."

A second took aim at VAR: "VAR at its corrupt best again... top clubs get away with so much How the hell has he not been booked for that tackle after getting checked..."

A third added: "Worst group of referees for a long time, neutral fan on this game and that's a stonewall red."

As for the actual match, Marcelo Bielsa's team suffered a crushing 4-1 home defeat to Arsenal.

It comes after his side were smashed by Manchester City 7-0 in midweek.

Topics: Leeds, Football, Granit Xhaka, Arsenal

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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