Tottenham Hotspur have suspended Yves Bissouma for their Premier League match against Leicester City on Monday after footage surfaced showing the midfielder inhaling laughing gas. The suspension follows Bissouma’s apology for his “severe lack of judgment” after he posted a video on social media on Saturday, which showed him inhaling from a balloon.
The possession of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or NOS, for recreational use has been a criminal offense in the United Kingdom since 2023, carrying a potential two-year prison sentence.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the suspension, stating: “We’ve suspended him from Monday’s game. Beyond that, there’s also some trust-building that needs to happen between Bissouma and me, as well as between Bissouma and the group. That’s what he needs to work hard at from now on—to try to win that back. He’s going to have to earn that.”
Postecoglou added: “The door is open for him, and hopefully, we can help him realize the decisions he makes impact more than just himself. Hopefully, this situation will allow him to make better decisions moving forward.”
Bissouma, who joined Tottenham from Brighton for £30 million in 2022, featured for 45 minutes in Spurs’ friendly defeat against Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon before the video was posted. Postecoglou emphasized the dual nature of the issue:
“One part is personal, as it’s illegal, and there are sanctions involved, including education. The second part is professional; he has a responsibility to the club, his teammates, our supporters, and everyone associated with the club. He has failed in those duties, so there has to be some form of sanction.”
Postecoglou expressed his disappointment, noting the implications of Bissouma’s actions: “There are personal ramifications because it’s illegal, and there’s the professional responsibility—setting an example as a footballer. Many people follow the Premier League, and we are in a privileged position. He made a poor choice. However, everyone deserves a chance for rehabilitation and redemption, including footballers. That’s up to Bissouma now.”
