During Sunderland’s 1-3 defeat to West Ham, Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka challenged a West Ham fan to a fight, telling him “Let’s meet outside.”
Xhaka watched his team lose away from the stands during the match. Reports say Xhaka became involved in an argument during the game, which briefly interrupted play.
TV cameras captured Xhaka clashing with a fan seated behind the away bench, an area reserved for VIP ticket holders who enjoy complimentary food and drink at the London Stadium.
Referee Thomas Bramall can be seen speaking to West Ham manager Nuno, while stewards and the fourth official dealt with the incident.
A fan seated nearby spoke to reporters about what he saw and heard from his seat.
The clash began after Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele reacted angrily to being substituted, throwing his hands up to the sky before complaining to manager Régis Le Bris.
The fan said: “Everyone was jeering at Mukiele, shouting ‘Oi! Oi! Dry your tears, mate’ – that’s what we do when we’re close like that.”
“Then he turned around, walked back towards the pitch, and had a go at the manager. That brought another round of ‘Oi!’ shouts, louder this time. He kept turning around, and we clearly got under his skin.”
“Then Xhaka turned around – he was sitting two or three rows behind the bench, right in the middle of us. He turned and started shouting at a friend of mine sitting in front, basically saying ‘Show some respect, show some respect’ – which was ironic, considering Mukiele had just had a go at his own manager.”
“Then everyone started shouting at Xhaka, telling him to mind his own business.”
“Then another guy came over towards the bench to calm things down, and Xhaka started targeting him – the guy hadn’t done anything, just said to Xhaka ‘Stop, stop’.”
“Then Xhaka started goading him, saying ‘Outside, outside’. After the final whistle, as Xhaka walked towards the tunnel, he was still saying ‘Outside’ to the same guy.”
“It was all Xhaka’s fault, he completely lost it. This guy’s on £100,000 a week, gets riled up by us nobodies, acts all tough – he’s entirely to blame.”
