News that some of Arsenal’s players have been pictured taking ‘hippy gas’ on a night out left me asking two things. Is it illegal? Were they breaking a club curfew? That the answer is ‘no’ to both means this is a non-story.
As much as Emery might feel inclined to have a word with his dressing room, there is nothing they can be punished for. They had every intention of keeping their evening out to themselves, having booked a private area in a club. Of course, it’s not ideal for an athlete to be taking part in such activities. In a perfect world they would never have a cigarette or alcohol until retirement, both of which are more dangerous then laughing gas. It hurts the club more from a PR perspective. In 2018 it’s hard for the man/women in the street to relate to the modern-day footballer.
Public relations would rather that our star names would be spotted at charity events than partying. Why do you think the tabloids felt the need to price check every item ordered? Us, as readers, are meant to be dismayed how thousands would be chucked at alcohol. Really though it only confirms what we already knew. Young multi-millionaires are going to live a lifestyle many of their fans can’t relate too. Both parties where possible want to keep that fact hidden. Just read Jermaine Pennant’s book to get an idea of how footballers live.
I’m not even angry with the Sun. Their job is to write an article which encourages us to run out and buy their paper. Even me writing this is me advertising their work. If this had been printed the week of the Man City fixture, when the night out supposedly happened, perhaps It would hit a nerve. Hearing about this while we are on a 20-match unbeaten run shows our players life styles are not affecting their performances.
I was angrier with Iwobi partying the night before an FA Cup tie last season.
So, did the Sun really tell us anything we didn’t deep down know? That young millionaires on a night out are going to spend money to the lengths the average person can’t comprehend? That men in their teens/twenties are not always going to be sensible on a night out? Like I said, read Jermaine Pennant’s book.
Dan Smith