Shane Duffy is amongst a group of Brighton players being investigated by the club after a video surfaced which appeared to show him and others sucking gas from a balloon during whilst on holiday.
Brighton are one of a number of clubs currently on their winter break, with the Premier League introducing a staggered break for the first time this season. Most clubs have allowed their players to go on trips abroad during this period.
Brighton are no different, and it appears a number of their players opted to go on a group trip. A video has since emerged which seems to show some members of the squad, including Duffy, Leandro Trossard, Pascal Gross, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh sat around a table sucking gas from balloons.
The video has since been shared widely on social media.
Balloons filled with the nitrous oxide gas, often referred as 'laughing gas', are often passed out in bars in popular holiday destinations, but it is not known if this is what is being inhaled on this occasion. Raheem Sterling was criticised after being filmed inhaling the gas a number of years ago.
It is not illegal to inhale the gas, nor it is a banned substance in football. However, it does have the potential to have negative side effects such as vomiting and headaches. It can be especially risky when mixed with alcohol.
Brighton have acknowledged the video and have opened an investigation, with a club spokesperson confirming:
The club is aware of the video circulating on social media. This matter is being dealt with internally.
