Granit Xhaka’s friend Patrik Dibrani says the Arsenal midfielder regretted his actions immediately after Sunday’s game, and the 27-year-old isn’t in a good place.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2019, in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Hopefully, you all know by now what incident we’re referring to here. If you’ve somehow missed the last few days of news, feel free to go and read another piece with an explanation of the series of events last Sunday.

Patrik Dibrani has reportedly been friends with Granit Xhaka since they were 10 years old. The duo have been pictured together on Instagram recently, and Dibrani claims he’s spoken to the Arsenal man since all that went on at the weekend.

“It hurts me a great deal. Granit is like a brother to me,” Dibrani said (via The S*n). “I understand that he did not react well to the booing. But if you are a true fan of your club it is like a love affair.

“You have to be there for each other in the bad times as well as the good. There should be no place for booing your own players.

“I spoke on the phone to Granit after the game. He’s not in a good place – he is grief-stricken. He regretted his actions straight away. He is an emotional person.

“But the fans and the English media are quick to bury him. He is at an age when he can make mistakes, and only human.

“Granit does everything for his football. He had a personal trainer, and missed out on partying. Then he gets abused in the stadium and on social media. The comments are below the belt.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

It was clear that Xhaka would regret his actions as soon as he’d calmed down. There’s no way he would have made such a potentially damaging set of gestures if he had a level head, but it was an emotional moment for him, the team and the fans.

It’s a real shame that this could have an impact on his future relationship with those supporters. There’s always a way back, as Shkodran Mustafi has been showing recently, but it’s certainly going to take some time.