by Nia Griffiths

Does Aleksandr Hleb’s refusal to shake Cesc Fabregas’ hand show where his loyalties still lie?

Or, as is the norm in modern football, is something meaningless being blown out of proportion?

In the tunnel before the Belarus v Spain European Championship qualifier, it appears as if Hleb avoids shaking his ex-teammate’s hand and avidly ignores him.

While I understand why current Arsenal players who also played alongside the Spaniard might be a bit miffed by his transfer to Chelsea last summer, Hleb is no longer an Arsenal player. Has it really hurt him that deeply?

Hleb has made no secret of the fact that he’d like to return to Arsenal and, given the chance, he’d come running. However, the fact he’d refuse to shake an ex-player’s hand because he was hurt over it, or to carry favour with the Arsenal fans, seems a little far-fetched to me.

Maybe he just really carries a grudge? Maybe Cesc is renowned for not washing his hands? Who knows.

Here’s the video of the cringe-worthy moment in all its glory.