A Premier League footballer, who is diagnosed with laughing gas addiction, was reportedly treated by paramedics at home after his worried friend raised an alarm, seeing him surrounded by nitrous oxide canisters. The paramedics “delivered a stark warning” to the player after carrying out their checks, while the police didn’t launch any criminal proceedings following their arrival at the scene.
As per the report from the Daily Mail, the player, who has represented his country at the Under-21 level, has repeatedly tried to get rid of his laughing gas addiction, which has put his career and life in danger. He attended rehab earlier in the ongoing football season with the approval of his club, but his addiction kicked in once again.
PL footballer with laughing gas addiction gets treated by paramedics
Notably, nitrous oxide was banned in the United Kingdom in 2023, and its repeat users can be handed jail sentences of up to two years. Also, the dealers can get a punishment of up to 14 years for selling it.
Chris Philip, the Minister of State for Crime, Policing, and Fire, Chris Philip, spoke about the decision to categorise nitrous oxide as a Class C drug and said, “Today we are sending a clear signal to people, especially young people, that not only is abuse of nitrous oxide dangerous to their health, but it is also illegal and those caught possessing it will face consequences.”
“For too long the use of this drug in public spaces has contributed to anti-social behaviour which is a blight on communities. We will not accept it. This law gives the police the powers they need to take a zero-tolerance approach to this crime,” he added.