Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku: 5 footballers who were forced to apologize to their own fans

Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were forced to apologize to their own fans
Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were forced to apologize to their own fans

#3 Granit Xhaka - Arsenal

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

Granit Xhaka is currently one of the longest-serving players at Arsenal but the midfielder has not shared the best relationship with the supporters of the club. His rash style of play has often got his side in trouble through ill-gotten red cards and unwanted penalties.

But things really boiled over during his captaincy at the club. The Swiss international was not in good form and was often committing mistakes. He displayed a similar performance during a match against Crystal Palace in the 2019/20 season as the Eagles fought from 2-0 down to go 2-2. There was still half an hour left on the clock and Unai Emery decided to substitute the midfielder. While coming off, Xhaka was seen abusing the fans with hand gestures as they booed him off.

Xhaka understood his mistake after the game and apologized to the Arsenal fans about his poor behavior.

In this situation, I let myself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support our club, our team and myself with positive energy. That was not my intention and I'm sorry if that's what people thought. Let's move forward positively together. Granit."

The 29-year-old ace is now in the good books of fans but was stripped off his captaincy following the incident.


#2 Eden Hazard - Real Madrid

Real Madrid CF v Cadiz CF - La Liga Santander
Real Madrid CF v Cadiz CF - La Liga Santander

Eden Hazard is one of the biggest investments in the history of Real Madrid, but the 100 million man is yet to justify his price tag. Injuries after injuries have prevented him from putting together a run of games and fans have been frustrated with the same.

A lot was expected from him when Los Blancos reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season. The UCL is an important trophy for the 13-time European Champions and they were going to go up against Hazard's former club Chelsea.

The Belgian international was expected to be the difference maker but he could do very little to affect the game in either leg as the Blues won the tie. After the game, the 31-year-old ace was seen laughing with his former team-mates. Real Madrid fans did not appreciate this behavior as it felt horribly disrespectful.

Hazard understood those sentiments and apologized to the fans a couple of days following the incident.

"I am sorry. I have read a lot of opinions about me today and it wasn't my intention to offend Real Madrid fans. It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win. The season is not over and together we must now battle for La Liga. Hala Madrid!"

Although the Real Madrid ace has acted in a professional manner since then, he has not been able to cement a place in the starting XI yet.


#1 Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea

Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021
Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021

Romelu Lukaku re-signed for Chelsea in the summer for a club-record fee of £97.5million to propel the Blues to greater glory. It is fair to say that his return to Stamford Bridge has not gone according to plan.

His interview with Sky Italia went viral where he was seen criticizing certain decisions by Thomas Tuchel. He also mentioned that he would like to return to his former club Inter Milan before he retires. All of these words hit the hearts of Chelsea fans while the club were also in shock with these statements.

Lukaku understood his mistake and later released a video apology to the fans and assured them of his commitment to the club.

"To the fans, I'm sorry for the upset that I caused. You guys know the connection that I have with this club since my teenage years, so I totally understand you guys being upset. Obviously, it's up to me now to restore your trust and I'll do my best to show commitment every day on the training ground and in the games to make sure we win games.

Lukaku has struggled for form since then, although he did score the only goal in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal. Perhaps he could mend the relationship with the Chelsea fans if he delivers a trophy this season.

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Edited by Ashwin
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