Setting an example is key requirement of a captain, and while you can’t blame someone for getting riled up after being jeered by their own supporters, Granit Xhaka’s actions after being substituted yesterday make it hard to justify him keeping the armband.

His relationship with the Gunners supporters was already very low, but goading them and then shouting an alleged expletive before storming down the tunnel doesn’t demonstrate you have the right qualities to be a club captain.

People do make mistakes and his strong character is likely one of the main reasons why he was voted by his teammates for a leadership role, but you need more than that to warrant your position as leader.

Ian Wright made the point that the fact that Xhaka has failed to perform in an Arsenal shirt during his three years at the Emirates, makes his actions even harder to justify. If he had simply been going through some poor form after initially performing well for the club, there may have been some more patience with the player.

Captains do generally take the brunt of criticism as they are the face of the club and represent the team. Another example of a captain having a hard time with his own fanbase is Jordan Henderson at Liverpool.

When he initially took over from Steven Gerrard, many questioned the player’s ability to take on the role. The club’s poor form did not help but despite being heavily criticised, he kept at it and didn’t let the criticism get to him. While his reputation hasn’t completely transformed on the Kop, he is now a Champions League winning captain and the captain of the Premier League leaders.

With that in mind, Xhaka would have been served best keeping his head down. Instead, he decided to bite.  The indiscipline, that has seen him pick up 41 yellow cards and two red cards during his time at the London club, may cost him dearly this time.

As things stand, the relationship between the 27-year-old and the fanbase looks to be damaged beyond repair. Whether he recovers from this will be determined by how he acts following this unsavoury incident.

Apologising seems to be the most sensible way forward. He needs to show maturity and to show he can own up to mistakes, but even then, he could have to face the fan’s wrath the next time he plays at the Emirates.