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HECTOR BELLERIN has issued a rallying cry as he attempts to diffuse the Granit Xhaka row which threatens to derail the club.

Xhaka mouthed "f*** off" at fans after being booed as he was subbed off in the 61st minute of yesterday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

 Arsenal fans have called for Granit Xhaka to be axed as club captain
Arsenal fans have called for Granit Xhaka to be axed as club captainCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Hector Bellerin, left, is the first Arsenal star to address the Grant Xhaka row on social media
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Hector Bellerin, left, is the first Arsenal star to address the Grant Xhaka row on social media

With the skipper, 27, facing losing his armband over the row, Bellerin became the first Gunners star to break the club's social media silence.

He tweeted: "We are all humans, we all have emotions, and sometimes it's not easy dealing with them. It's time to lift each other up, not to push each other away. We only win when we are together.

His post received plenty of positive replies, with fans praising the popular right-back's sentiment.

But others repeated calls for Matteo Guendouzi to take the armband and blasted Unai Emery.

Arsenal boss Emery has refused to confirm if Xhaka will keep the captaincy after his astonishing blast.

Club legend Ian Wright has called on the Swiss midfielder to apologise to supporters for the outburst.

And it has been reported that three senior players went to Xhaka's house to console him last night.

Lucas Torreira looked upset with the boos and Bellerin could be seen comforting his team-mate.

Arsenal have dropped to fifth in the table - four points shy of London rivals Chelsea and in-form Leicester.

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There has been a growing sense of frustration among the fanbase, with Emery and Xhaka taking most of the criticism.

Now the Gunners must fight to get supporters back onside and not let the row affect their season.

Arsenal travel to Anfield for their League Cup clash against Liverpool on Wednesday before hosting Wolves at the weekend.

Unai Emery gives his verdict on Granit Xhaka’s controversial reaction to being booed by his own fans during draw with Crystal Palace
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