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Football

09th May 2023

Granit Xhaka’s brother sent off in bizarre VAR decision

Callum Boyle

Xhaka

One of the strangest red cards you’ll see

Granit Xhaka’s brother Taulant was involved in one of the strangest VAR decisions of the season on Sunday.

Xhaka was playing for Basel against their fierce rivals FC Zurich was one of four players to be sent off in the fiery clash as they fell to a 2-0 defeat.

However it was the midfielder’s red that proved to be the most bizarre of all, sparking wild debate on social media.

After being shown his second yellow card for head-butting Zurich’s Nikola Katić, the Albanian international began to walk down the decision before being called back by the referee.

VAR had determined that the headbutt actually warranted a straight red card, leaving Xhaka fuming after being brought back despite already being given his marching orders.

Taulant did take to Instagram after the game to apologise for his behaviour. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to apologise in all form for my suspension from last night.

“You know me as an emotional player. As someone who does not hold back, who gives everything for his colours on the pitch.

“And we players, too, are flesh and blood people who react emotionally in certain situations.

“At the same time, no verbal insults on the field, against me and my family, justify such a blunder on my part.

“I can’t undo what happened last night and I will of course face the consequences for not being able to control myself for a brief moment.”

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