Spurs suspend Bissouma over laughing gas video

AFP | London

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said midfielder Yves Bissouma has been suspended for Monday’s trip to Leicester after he was seen inhaling laughing gas in a video on social media. The 27-year-old has since apologised for what he described as a “severe lack of judgement”.

Possession of nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas for recreational use has been a criminal offence in the United Kingdom since 2023 and can result in a two-year prison sentence for repeat offenders.

“We’ve suspended him for Monday’s game,” said Postecoglou at his pre-match press conference yesterday. “The door is open for him and hopefully we can help him to realise the decisions he makes impact more than just him. “Hopefully it allows him to make better decisions moving forward.”

Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton for £30m in 2022, had played 45 minutes in Spurs’ friendly loss to Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon. Later that day he posted a video of himself on social media which showed him inhaling from a balloon.

“I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement,” said Bissouma in a statement. “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.” In more positive news for Postecoglou, Dominic Solanke is in line to make his debut as the Premier League gets underway this weekend.