Arsenal boss Unai Emery fears a squad backlash if he strips Granit Xhaka of the captaincy.
Emery is under mounting boardroom scrutiny after failing to improve results since replacing Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners launched a disciplinary inquiry into Xhaka's meltdown on Sunday after the furious midfielder told Emirates fans to f*** off" as he was subbed against Crystal Palace, says The Sun.
Emery and Xhaka spoke on the phone on Monday but the club's attempts to persuade their skipper to issue an apology have so far come to nothing.
Now plans to strip him of the captaincy are threatening to leave his manager facing an angry backlash from his squad.
A number of senior Arsenal players are appalled at the brutal treatment which Xhaka has received from the club's fickle supporters.
