Granit Xhaka’s difficult aftermath from the pandemic has spilled into public view, with the Sunderland midfielder confronting a man who taunted him over COVID-19 during an encounter outside a supermarket.
The Switzerland international is dealing with the legal consequences of obtaining a forged vaccination certificate during the coronavirus pandemic. Swiss authorities imposed a suspended fine of around 150,000 Swiss francs, a punishment that will only have to be paid if he commits another offence during a two-year probation period.
Xhaka has accepted responsibility publicly and explained that the financial penalty is conditional rather than immediately payable. The case has nevertheless kept the former Arsenal player under close scrutiny in Switzerland, where his international situation has also been affected.
A confrontation caught on video
Footage circulating online showed Xhaka exchanging words with a man in public after being subjected to jeers referring to COVID-19. The individual made an obscene gesture towards the midfielder, who moved in the direction of the person filming before a companion attempted to restrain and calm him.
After the shouting, Xhaka left the area. Before departing, he was seen shaking hands with another passer-by.
The episode comes while Xhaka has been temporarily left out of Switzerland’s UEFA Nations League selections amid the controversy surrounding the false certificate. His club status has not been affected, however, and he remains available to Sunderland.
