Granit Xhaka finally breaks silence as he revealed what West Ham fans said to him following ugly incident

Granit Xhaka Reveals Shocking Comment from West Ham Fan That Ignited Ugly Confrontation

In a dramatic post-match revelation, Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has opened up about the heated altercation with a West Ham United fan during his team’s 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium. The incident, which briefly halted the Premier League clash, stemmed from a provocative remark that touched on Xhaka’s personal heritage, escalating tensions in the final moments of the game.

The match itself was a one-sided affair, with West Ham surging to a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime thanks to goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Mateus Fernandes. Sunderland managed a consolation strike through Brian Brobbey in the 66th minute, but it did little to alter the outcome. Xhaka, sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in a previous win over Crystal Palace, was not on the pitch but watched from behind the away bench. Despite his absence from play, the 33-year-old Swiss midfielder of Kosovo Albanian descent became the center of controversy.

As the game neared its end, with West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola preparing for a free-kick, unrest erupted near the Sunderland dugout. Footage captured Xhaka gesticulating angrily towards a group of home supporters seated behind the bench. One fan, notably carrying a young child, appeared to make an obscene gesture in response. The disturbance prompted referee Thomas Bramall to pause proceedings for about 20 seconds, consulting with West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo after alerts from video officials. Stewards rushed to intervene, but the spat spilled over after the final whistle, with Xhaka confronting another fan en route to the tunnel before being restrained by staff.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Xhaka disclosed the trigger behind his outburst. “The fan shouted ‘Kosovo je Serbija’ at me,” he revealed, referring to the Serbian phrase meaning “Kosovo is Serbia.” This politically charged slogan is a sore point for many of Albanian heritage, given the historical tensions over Kosovo’s independence. Xhaka, whose family fled Kosovo during the conflict in the 1990s, explained that the comment felt like a personal attack. “I won’t stand for that kind of disrespect,” he said firmly. “It’s not just about me—it’s about my roots and my family. Football should unite, not divide with hate.”

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris addressed the episode in his press conference, expressing disappointment but withholding details. “It’s a shame when things like this happen in a stadium,” Le Bris noted. “Granit is passionate, but we focus on the game.” No immediate disciplinary action has been announced, though the FA is expected to review the incident. West Ham issued a statement condemning any abusive behavior and pledged to investigate.

This isn’t Xhaka’s first brush with fan confrontations. During his Arsenal tenure, he famously clashed with Gunners supporters in 2019, an event he later called a turning point in his career. Now at Sunderland after a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped secure a Bundesliga title, Xhaka has been a key figure in the Black Cats’ midfield, captaining the side through a mixed season.

The episode has sparked debate on social media, with fans divided. Some praised Xhaka for standing his ground, while others criticized his reaction. As Sunderland prepares for their next fixture, the focus will be on Xhaka’s recovery and whether this off-field drama affects team morale. In a sport where emotions run high, this confrontation serves as a reminder of the fine line between passion and provocation.