Arsenal's Granit Xhaka reacts to being substituted on Sunday.
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A wider debate about how well protected sports players are from suffering potential mental health problems has opened after Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka was forced to endure a string of abuse at the weekend.
The 27-year-old Switzerland international was jeered by large sections of the club’s support base on Sunday when he was substituted in the North London side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium and has since been threatened on social media.
Xhaka played no part in the Gunners’ English Football League Cup game with Liverpool last night, with Arsenal manager Unai Emery describing him as being “devastated”.
The midfielder has been offered mental health assistance by his club.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Lisbie, who made over 100 top-flight appearances for Charlton Athletic, believes that Arsenal are doing the right thing.
Former Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie is in full support of Arsenal’s actions in helping Xhaka. Credit: Getty Images
“I wish I had been given help with what I was dealing with during my career,” he told City News.
“Nowadays everything that footballers do is scrutinised and the affect that can have on their mental health is huge”.
While players in the higher leagues of English football are now able to access counselling more readily, this is not a luxury granted to those plying their trade further down the pyramid.
Joe Ellul, who represents Maidenhead United in the National League, which sits four divisions below the Premier League said: “I got injured recently in a game against Wealdstone and some of their fans were shouting all sorts of things at me.
“I had suffered a head injury and they were saying things like they hoped that I died in my sleep.
The 30-year-old added: “I tend to be able to brush of these kinds of things but for a younger player it could cause real trouble.”
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HeadlineGranit Xhaka controversy sparks mental health debate
Short HeadlineMental health debate opens in football
StandfirstThe Arsenal captain has been offered counselling sessions by his club after receiving stinging criticism from fans
A wider debate about how well protected sports players are from suffering potential mental health problems has opened after Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka was forced to endure a string of abuse at the weekend.
The 27-year-old Switzerland international was jeered by large sections of the club’s support base on Sunday when he was substituted in the North London side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium and has since been threatened on social media.
Xhaka played no part in the Gunners’ EFL Cup game with Liverpool last night, with Arsenal manager Unai Emery describing him as being “devastated”.
The midfielder has been offered mental health assistance by his club and former Premier League striker Kevin Lisbie, who made over 100 top flight appearances for Charlton Athletic, believes that Arsenal are doing the right thing.
He told City News: “I wish I had been given help with what I was dealing with during my career.
Former Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie is in full support of Arsenal’s actions in helping Xhaka
“Nowadays everything that footballers do is scrutinised and the affect that can have on their mental health is huge”.
While players in the higher leagues of English football are now able to access counselling more readily, this is not a luxury granted to those plying their trade further down the pyramid.
Joe Ellul, who represents Maidenhead United in the National League, which sits four divisions below the Premier League said: “I got injured recently in a game against Wealdstone and some of their fans were shouting all sorts of things at me.
“I had suffered a head injury and they were saying things like they hoped that I died in my sleep.
The 30-year-old added: “I tend to be able to brush of these kinds of things but for a younger player it could cause real trouble.”
A wider debate about how well protected sports players are from suffering potential mental health problems has opened after Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka was forced to endure a string of abuse at the weekend.
The 27-year-old Switzerland international was jeered by large sections of the club’s support base on Sunday when he was substituted in the North London side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium and has since been threatened on social media.
Xhaka played no part in the Gunners’ English Football League Cup game with Liverpool last night, with Arsenal manager Unai Emery describing him as being “devastated”.
The midfielder has been offered mental health assistance by his club.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Lisbie, who made over 100 top-flight appearances for Charlton Athletic, believes that Arsenal are doing the right thing.
Former Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie is in full support of Arsenal’s actions in helping Xhaka. Credit: Getty Images
“I wish I had been given help with what I was dealing with during my career,” he told City News.
“Nowadays everything that footballers do is scrutinised and the affect that can have on their mental health is huge”.
While players in the higher leagues of English football are now able to access counselling more readily, this is not a luxury granted to those plying their trade further down the pyramid.
Joe Ellul, who represents Maidenhead United in the National League, which sits four divisions below the Premier League said: “I got injured recently in a game against Wealdstone and some of their fans were shouting all sorts of things at me.
“I had suffered a head injury and they were saying things like they hoped that I died in my sleep.
The 30-year-old added: “I tend to be able to brush of these kinds of things but for a younger player it could cause real trouble.”
