Yves Bissouma suspended by Tottenham and will miss start of season due to nitrous oxide embarrassment
Yves Bissouma will miss the start of the season after being suspended by Tottenham.
The midfielder has apologised after posting a video of himself inhaling nitrous oxide on social media.
The Mali international uploaded videos of himself taking the class C drug, known as “hippie crack”, to Snapchat last weekend.
Bissuma He could be seen laughing between hitting the balloon in the images he shared with his fans.
The incident came just hours after Spurs' final pre-season clash, where they lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Visit Malta Cup.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the club have suspended him for their opening Premier League game against Leicester on Monday.
Postecoglou said: “I've been in the game for a long time and when a situation like this comes up, I've tried to analyse it in a number of ways. First, there's one person, and that's Biss, and he's made a bad decision.
“There are still sanctions involved, and some of them are educational. He is a footballer with responsibilities.
“He will not be available on Monday. We have suspended him for Monday's match.
“He needs to regain the trust he has in me and in the group. The door is open for him and we can help him realise that the decisions he makes have an impact on the group.”
Bissouma himself issued a statement apologizing shortly after the video was released.
He said: “I want to apologise for these videos. It was a serious lapse of judgement.”
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“I understand how serious this is and the health risks it entails.
“And I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”
As part of the Government's anti-social behaviour action plan, nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act last November.
This means that possession of so-called “laughing gas” with the intent to get high is illegal.
Repeat offenders could face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide can cause nerve damage, depression, brain disorders and hallucinations, as well as memory loss.
The incident is a blow for Spurs ahead of their opening Premier League game of the season away to Leicester.
Bissouma has been in fine form for the north Londoners in pre-season, scoring a superb solo goal in a 2-0 win over QPR at Loftus Road.
The former Brighton man rediscovered his form under Ange Postecoglou last season, where he proved to be a key player, making 28 top-flight appearances.
