Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has been suspended by the club for the game against Leicester City after a video posted on social media appeared to show him inhaling laughing gas.
Bissouma had posted a video of himself appearing to inhale nitrous oxide in a chauffeur-driven limousine and laughing to his private Snapchat account.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed the 27-year-old would miss the opening day of the season against newly-promoted Leicester as a punishment, adding that the trust between them has been broken.
Postecoglou said: “Been in the game for a long time, when a situation like this arises, I've tried to look at them in a couple of ways. First there's a person and it's Biss and he's made a poor decision.
“There are still sanctions involved, and some of those are educational. He is a footballer with responsibilities. He won't be available on Monday.
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“We've suspended him from Monday's game. He needs to build that trust back with both me and the group. The door is open for him and we can help him realise the decisions he makes impact the group.”
When asked about how Bissouma can earn his trust back, Postecoglou replied: “Behaviour mate. It's that simple. It's about making better decisions. He was very apologetic to me, the club and everyone involved but that's just part of it.”
Bissouma later acknowledged the shortcomings in his behaviour and issued a public apology in a statement, saying: "This was a severe lack of judgment. I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously."
Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas or ‘hippy crack’, was made illegal last year with possession and sale for recreational purposes considered a criminal offence. Individuals found in possession could face a caution or an unlimited fine. Repeat offenders could serve up to two years in prison.