Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma Suspended for Inhaling Nitrous Oxide; Misses Premier League Opener Against Leicester City
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 11:00PM GMT Thurs, 15August, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur’s Malian midfielder, Yves Bissouma, will be sidelined for the beginning of the Premier League season after the club handed him a suspension following an investigation into recent footage. The video, which was shared on Snapchat, depicted Bissouma inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, a substance now classified as a Class C drug under UK law.
In the footage, which surfaced last weekend, Bissouma was seen using nitrous oxide, a practice that has garnered significant attention due to its legal status and health risks. The 27-year-old Malian international promptly issued an apology, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging his “serious lack of judgment.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the issue during a press conference on Thursday, stating that Bissouma would face a one-match ban, which will see him miss the club’s Premier League opener against Leicester City on Monday. Postecoglou emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the responsibilities Bissouma holds towards the club, his teammates, and supporters.
“He is a footballer of this club – he has responsibilities to the club, his teammates, our supporters, everyone associated with the club, and he has failed in his duties,” Postecoglou remarked. “He won’t be available for Monday… but beyond that, there is also work to be done on trust between Biss and me, and between Biss and the group. That’s what he has to work on, to regain that trust.”
Nitrous oxide is widely used in medical settings as an anaesthetic and pain relief agent, but recreational use of the substance can have detrimental effects on health, including potential damage to brain and nerve tissue. In light of Bissouma’s actions, Postecoglou also emphasized the need for an educational component in Bissouma’s suspension, aiming to help him understand the severity of his decision.
“There is one person involved,” Postecoglou added. “In this case, it’s Biss and he made a very bad decision. You want to understand that and try to help him, as a club, to make sure he doesn’t make those kinds of choices and decisions in the future.”
Bissouma, who transferred to Tottenham from Brighton in 2022, had a notable 2023-24 season under Postecoglou, making 26 starts. The suspension underscores a critical moment for Bissouma as he works to restore his standing within the team and demonstrate a commitment to his professional responsibilities.
