What is 'snus' and why do so many Premier League footballers use it? One in five footballers uses the product

Have you ever seen a Premier League footballer put something under his upper lip before a match?

If so, it's most likely snus, which has reportedly been used by many top players in recent years.

talkSPORT's Danny MurphyJamie Vardy and Victor Lindelof are among the stars who have admitted to using the substance.

However, many won't know what snus is, so talkSPORT.com looks at where it comes from and why it's used…

What is 'snus'?

Snus is an oral tobacco product that is made up of ground tobacco, salt, and sometimes flavorings such as citrus.

It is usually placed behind the upper lip, either loosely or in pouches that look like mini tea bags.

The product is considered an alternative to smoking and vaping, as it is less harmful to the body; however, it still contains nicotine.

Users take snus to calm themselves, and it is known to have that effect in addition to creating a feeling of well-being.

However, it also has negative effects, as it has been linked to heart and oral diseases.

The sale of snus is banned in the UK, but it is mainly found in Scandinavia and the substance has now also been introduced into the United States.

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Why do so many Premier League footballers use it?

Premier League footballers use snus because they see advantages in its effects.

The calming effect is important for professional athletes, and if a stronger variant is taken, snus has been shown to cause a physical spark.

Of course, this is beneficial for elite players who have to compete among the best in the world in their sport.

Research from Loughborough University, commissioned by the Association of professional footballersdiscovered that one in five footballers and soccer players of all divisions consumes snus.

The report revealed that the real number is likely much higher, with many unwilling to reveal whether they used it or not.

18 per cent of top-class footballers admitted to using snus, with the majority of respondents citing improved mental preparedness as the reason.

Many other players simply use it because those around them do.

The addictive traits of nicotine and snus, in addition to the negative health impacts, have led to calls for the product to be banned in football.

Speaking on talkSPORT's White & Jordan Show, former Fulham midfielder Murphy said: “Do you know what it comes down to?

“All of these things come down to self-care, self-discipline, resilience, the desire to get to the top and making decisions along the way to get there.

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“I'm all for getting educated and getting help along the way, whether it's basic things like nutrition that we didn't have until later.

“If you have doctors, medical teams and academy directors talking to guys who maybe don't have the support network or people around them to give them the knowledge, I'm all for that.

“But ultimately, the cream will rise to the top because you make the best decisions.

“Yes (I've used snus). They're pretty strong. I wasn't a fan. I was a smoker for years. I hate to admit it and now, thankfully, I don't.

“I didn't need them, but I know a lot of guys… because socially it was more acceptable to have that in your mouth than to sit there smoking a cigarette.

“In fact, I think clubs should ban it because as soon as a player knows that something is banned, he starts to think why and automatically has the desire to understand it.

“Although it is accepted, although some clubs do not accept it, some have banned it, but I think all clubs should ban it.”