Premier League star 'addicted to laughing gas' treated by emergency services at his home

A Premier League footballer who has been diagnosed with an addiction to laughing gas has been treated by emergency services after a worried friend raised the alarm, it has been claimed.

The substance, also known as nitrous oxide, was banned in the UK in 2023. Repeat users can be handed jail sentences of up to two years, with a punishment of up to 14 years for dealers.

The friend called emergency services after visiting the player at his flat and seeing him surrounded by nitrous oxide canisters, claim the Daily Mail. The report states that paramedics then visited the player and 'delivered a stark warning' to him after carrying out their checks.

The footballer in question is said to have repeatedly tried to kick his addiction, having attended rehab earlier this season. However, he is thought to have fallen off the wagon.

The player's club are aware of the incident, which happened last month, and have been supporting him as he fights his addiction. Police are said to have attended the scene, but the player is not facing any criminal proceedings.

Speaking back in November, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire Chris Philp explained the decision to make nitrous oxide a Class C drug. "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," Philp said.

"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."

Neighbourhood Watch CEO John Hayward-Cripps added: "As consumption of nitrous oxide has increased over the years, there has been a connected increase in reports of anti-social behaviour, including the littering of nitrous oxide canisters.

"For communities across the country, this change in the law will be a positive move towards tackling anti-social behaviour and making local communities a better and safer place to live. We encourage members of the public to report any illegal consumption of nitrous oxide or other drugs to their local police force."

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