After a number of Arsenal players have landed themselves in heat after being caught on camera inhaling "hippy crack", the club has now issued a response.
This controversy surrounding the north London giant's key men arose after the Sun released a video showing the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, and Alexandre Lacazette using the substance. Known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas, or "hippy crack"; it leads to euphoria but can also result in hallucinations, headaches, dizziness, and paranoia.
The Gabonese, French, and German aces can be seen with ballons in their mouths. Saeed Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also make cameos, but the latter refused to inhale the drug. This happened during a lavish party days before the season kicked off back in August, with Matteo Guenzdouzi, the club's young summer signing, appearing to lose consciousness in the aftermath.
While nitrous oxide is not illegal, selling or giving away the drug is against the law. This has thus landed these players in hot water with the club.
Speaking after the video went public, a spokesperson said: "The players will be spoken to about this and reminded of their responsibilities as representatives of the club."
While there was no mention of disciplinary measures, their actions have stirred a controversy. Using dangerous substance is definitely not the image the Gunners want their players showcasing to their legions of supporters.
This will likely bring unwanted negativity to the Emirates Stadium side amid their impressive unbeaten run in all competitions. The Premier League outfit is yet to lose in their last 20 games, having drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford in their most recent game and has shown signs of improvement.
Aubameyang has been key to their run, scoring 10 goals in the English top-flight alone. Arsenal will now probably attempt damage control and will warn their biggest names not to repeat such actions.
