Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned Granit Xhaka NOT to tackle following red card against Burnley

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned Granit Xhaka not to tackle in games for fear of the midfielder picking up yet another red card.

Xhaka has struggled with disciplinary problems throughout his career and was sent off for the second time this season on Sunday for a late challenge on Steven Defour during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Burnley.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Gunners in a £35million deal from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer, was also sent off for a rash challenge against Swansea earlier in the campaign.

Granit Xhaka was sent off for the second time this season against Burnley on Sunday

Xhaka was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Burnley midfielder Steven Defour

The 24-year-old Swiss took his total for the last three years to nine sending-offs

Xhaka has now picked up nine red cards for club and country since 2014 and Wenger has warned the midfielder to avoid tackling after claiming he is yet to 'master' the proper technique.

'I think he's not naturally a great tackler,' said Wenger.

'In his decision making I think he is quite intelligent on the pitch. But it's more the way he tackles that is not really convincing. 

'He doesn't master well the technique. I would encourage him not to tackle, to stay on his feet. Tackling is a technique that you learn at a young age. 

Arsene Wenger has admitted he has warned Xhaka to avoid tackling in matches this season 

'You can improve it but when you are face-to-face with somebody, it's better you stay up.'

Wenger initially disputed Xhaka's red card against Burnley and was himself sent off by referee Jon Moss for his angry reaction to the dismissal. 

However, the Gunners boss has since acknowledged that it was the correct decision.

The Swiss international was sent off by referee Jon Moss earlier in the season against Swansea

Xhaka could have no complaints after he cynically brought down Modou Barrow in October

'You have to accept that he can be punished for these kinds of tackles now,' he said.

'He has to learn from that. Unfortunately we will lose him for four games in a very important period of the season. Hopefully we will get away with it.'

Xhaka was interviewed by police on Monday night over claims he racially abused a British Airways employee at Heathrow Airport.

The Switzerland international has developed a reputation for a lack of discipline on the field 

Xhaka sarcastically applauds the referee after being sent off for Borussia Monchengladbach 

Wenger says the midfielder has denied the allegations when the pair discussed the incident this week.

'He denies it completely,' said Wenger. 'I have talked with him about it and he completely denies what happened there.'