Switzerland’s 0-0 draw with Denmark last night sparked some unusual scenes, as former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka clashed with an opposition player.
Xhaka made himself a hero at the Emirates prior to his exit last summer, and is now thriving for Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga.
However, this does not mean he has left his aggressive past behind, as he was involved in yet another altercation on the pitch, as a player who leaves everything out there when involved in blood and thunder clashes.
This time, he clashed with Denmark and Sporting Club De Portugal midfielder Morten Hjulmand. The Dane prevented Xhaka from taking a free kick, which resulted in both players clashing.
Granit Xhaka clashes with Morten Hjulmand in friendly draw
Xhaka had been awarded a free-kick after going to ground, and Hjulmand gave him a kick when trying to hit the ball from underneath him.
The Switzerland captain was furious, and the pair were at each other’s throats.
Speaking after the game, Xhaka accused Hjulmand of a lack of respect during a friendly match.
“It was a clear free kick and I have the ball. He kicks me. It’s about respect,” Xhaka stated.
“My opinion is that you don’t do that in modern football. Not in a friendly match, but not in a qualifying match either.”
Morten Hjulmand is an Arsenal fan
This clash becomes even more bizarre when considering Hjulmand is a huge Arsenal fan, and has been from a young age.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but the fact that he has an Arsenal tattoo will complicate any move.
“My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger,” he once stated in an interview.
This altercation with an Arsenal hero, and a player he likely admired in recent years, may not have endeared himself to the Gunners fanbase, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next should he depart Lisbon.
A move to Spurs looks unlikely, whilst there have been no links with Arsenal, but the 24-year-old is a rising talent who the club should perhaps keep an eye on for the future.