Granit Xhaka Red Card Won't Be Appealed by Arsenal: Latest Comments, Reaction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced the Gunners will not appeal Granit Xhaka's red card after the midfielder was dismissed from the north Londoners' 3-2 win over Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Per BBC Sport's Luke Reddy, Wenger said Xhaka's 70th-minute booking "made it difficult for us" as Arsenal clung on to take all three points, and the Gunners manager will need to curb the Switzerland international's hot-headed side:

The 24-year-old received the red card for a cynical and unnecessary trip on Swans winger Modou Barrow.

Per Sky Sports News HQ, Wenger labelled the sending-off as "harsh" immediately after the home victory:

There is an argument that a yellow card would have been more appropriate, but Arsenal's decision not to appeal indicates they weren't wholly surprised by the dismissal. 

Xhaka, who has an unfortunate disciplinary record, was sent off three times at Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga last season. While his dismissal against Swansea was debatable, the foul that drew the red card was indicative of a petulance Xhaka needs to remove from his game.

Wenger insisted Xhaka is not a dirty player but said he must learn from his mistakes, per Mattias Karen of ESPN FC:

"

Intelligence means you don't make the same mistake twice, and I hope he learns from that. Before in Germany he had some [disciplinary problems], but I think he's not a dirty player at all.

Sometimes he makes some clumsy tackles because he's not a natural defender, he is a guy who likes to go forward. But I will speak to him.

"

Per The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke, Xhaka's suspension will cover Arsenal's next three domestic matches, but he will be available for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Ludogorets:

He could hardly have chosen a better time to pick up a ban, as Arsenal have more than enough depth to see off Middlesbrough and Reading at home and struggling Sunderland away, even without Xhaka.

Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny—both of whom started on the bench against Swansea—can provide cover in the deep-lying midfield role and will relish the opportunity to see first-team action.