Granit Xhaka’s most controversial moments including Arsenal bust-up as star faces jail for fake Covid jab certificate

GRANIT XHAKA has always been a divisive figure in football. The former Arsenal star, 33, is now under investigation after he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate, when it was a requirement in Switzerland for some travel abroad. Granit Xhaka is under investigation for obtaining a fake Covid-19 certificate Credit: Action Images via Reuters Xhaka released a statement admitting his error Credit: Instagram The investigation by the public prosecutor’s office in the Swiss city of Lucerne came to light amid suspicions that a female doctor in Lucerne issued vaccination certificates without ever administering the jabs. The doctor has denied the allegations, but Xhaka, who could face a huge fine and jail time, has admitted his guilt in a statement on social media. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! It read: “In recent days, a lot has been reported about an issue from my past. I would like to address it personally. “At the time, in connection with the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns. I had deep distrust of the vaccine and was affected by fear and uncertainty. “In this emotionally charged situation, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of having my unanswered questions clarified through the proper channels. “Today, I clearly see that this was not the right course of action. It was a mistake. I am sorry. “I take responsibility for the decision, will face the process of clarifying the facts, and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.” It’s not the first time Xhaka has found himself in the eye of a media storm. SunSport looks at the Swiss international’s trials and tribulations through the years. Most read in Sport Xhaka was interviewed by police for alleged racist abuse Credit: PA The case was dropped against Xhaka and no further action was taken Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images Racial abuse allegation In 2017, just days after he was sent off in a game against Burnley, Xhaka was alleged to have hurled racial abuse at an airline staff member at Heathrow airport. The incident unfolded when the now Sunderland captain was with a male friend who visited him in London. It was understood the man wasn’t allowed to board after arriving late for his flight back to Germany. At this point, it was alleged racial abuse was used towards a British Airways staff member. Xhaka voluntarily attended a west London police station where he was interviewed under caution. After a brief investigation, the case was dropped and no further action was taken. Controversial goal celebration During a highly-charged World Cup 2018 group match between Switzerland and Serbia, Xhaka and his team-mate Xherdan Shaqiri stirred the pot with their goal celebrations. When they scored in a 2-1 win, the pair crossed their open hands to mimic the double-headed eagle found on the Albanian flag. For context, both players are of Kosovar-Albanian descent. Xhaka’s parents fled their home in Kosovo when war broke out, while his dad was jailed as a political prisoner for campaigning for Kosovan independence. Kosovo became independent from Serbia in 2008, and there’s still tension in the Balkans because of it, which Xhaka and Shaqiri couldn’t let lie. At a World Cup match in 2018 Xhaka caused controversy with his goal celebration Credit: EPA Xhaka’s dad, left, was jailed as a political prisoner for campaigning for Kosovan independence Credit: Getty Images Serbian media was in uproar, calling their actions provocative. Fifa fined the pair for “unsporting behaviour” but stopped short of saying their actions were a malicious political statement. After, Xhaka and Shaqiri issued public statements apologising for the distractions caused by their actions. Clashing with Arsenal fans More on-the-pitch shenanigans came a year later for Xhaka, who felt the brunt of the boo boys at the Emirates. In a match against Crystal Palace, he was substituted in the 55th minute to jeers from the fans, which prompted a reaction from the hot-headed footballer. He responded by cupping his ears, before shouting “F*** off” towards the crowd, ripping off his shirt and heading straight down the tunnel. Days later, then Gunners manager Unai Emery stripped him of the club captaincy. Xhaka admitted his faults, and said he got “carried away” and reacted “disrespectfully” to fans. However, he was ready to leave Arsenal and had confessed he had packed his bags. After he was jeered by Arsenal fans, Xhaka gestured angrily towards and swore at them Credit: Visionhaus Xhaka apologised for his actions and later completed the ultimate redemption arc Credit: Getty Images But, when Mikel Arteta arrived at the club, he was convinced to stay, and completed the ultimate redemption arc, before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. Match-fixing investigation In 2022, England’s National Crime Agency (NCA) launched a criminal conspiracy investigation following a suspicious yellow card Xhaka received during Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Leeds United in 2021. In the 86th minute, he was booked for time-wasting while standing over a free-kick. In a match Xhaka played against Leeds a suspicious bet was placed Credit: AFP via Getty Images No disciplinary action was ever taken against Xhaka Credit: Getty Images The caution he received triggered alarm bells because a £52,000 bet was placed on Xhaka getting a yellow in the last 10 minutes, which saw a payout of close to £250,000. The NCA’s investigation focused on links with external match-fixing syndicates. No disciplinary action was ever taken against Xhaka by the FA or the law enforcement. Comment now