Granit Xhaka (foto: Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka exchanged heated words with Leverkusen fans after their shocking DFB Cup exit to third-division Arminia Bielefeld in one of the season’s biggest upsets.
Granit Xhaka found himself in a fiery exchange with Bayer Leverkusen supporters after their humiliating DFB Cup semi-final defeat to third-division side Arminia Bielefeld. The Swiss midfielder, clearly frustrated by the result and the reaction from the fans, was caught on camera defending himself in a tense post-match confrontation.
Despite fielding a strong starting eleven and not suffering any red cards or penalties, Xabi Alonso’s men were outplayed and outclassed by Bielefeld, who pulled off one of the most remarkable cup shocks in recent German football history.
The final whistle was followed by jeers and vocal criticism from the travelling Leverkusen faithful. As captain, Xhaka approached the stand to acknowledge the fans, but what followed was an unexpected war of words between the midfielder and several furious supporters. Tensions flared, and Xhaka was seen passionately responding before eventually singing with a smaller group of fans who remained in support.
Bayer Leverkusen, who were eliminated from the Champions League earlier this month, are also now six points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, making the cup elimination an even harder blow as their season begins to unravel.
The frustration among fans is understandable—what was shaping up to be a historic campaign is now at risk of collapsing under the weight of back-to-back disappointments.
Check out the video of Xhaka's tense post-match interaction and the surreal moment he attempted to rally support with a song—despite the bitter taste of defeat.