Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has been suspended for the Premier League opener against Leicester City after a video surfaced of him inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
The video, which the Mali international midfielder reportedly uploaded himself to social media, sparked significant controversy and led to an apology from the player, citing a “severe lack of judgement.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou emphasized that while Bissouma has acknowledged his mistake, trust between the player, the coaching staff, and the entire team needs to be rebuilt.
Bissouma’s actions have been met with a club-imposed one-game suspension, highlighting the serious nature of the incident.
Postecoglou stressed that Bissouma’s behaviour going forward will be critical in restoring the trust he has lost within the club.
The manager also underscored the broader responsibilities that come with being a professional footballer, not only to the club and teammates but also to the fans who follow the sport.
The use of nitrous oxide has been illegal in the UK since last year, and possession can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Postecoglou made it clear that Bissouma’s mistake was serious but also expressed hope that with proper education and awareness, the player can learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.