04 February 2024 , 23:10
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An unnamed Premier League footballer has checked into rehab for laughing gas addiction, 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.
According to The Sun, the footballer in question was admitted to a medical centre after worried family members contacted his club. The same report says nitrous oxide canisters were found in a car in which the player was a passenger late last year, though it was not determined who the canisters belonged to.
It has also been claimed that other footballers could follow suit in checking into rehab, with it being reported that usage is rife among top-level footballers. Possession of the substance can also see people given fines, community punishments or cautions. Speaking in November, policing minister Chris Philp laid out why the measures have come into force.
“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.- Nitrous oxide is now a Class C drug, following the changes last year.
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“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.”
In November 2023, a mother of a teenager hospitalised after inhaling laughing gas argued the ban didn't go far enough. Cathy Mccann's teenage son Alex Littler was rushed to hospital after attending Parklife festival in Manchester.
Laughing gas canisters (PA)"I think it is a good idea but I think nitrous oxide should have been made a Class B drug or higher because what is making it a class C drug going to do." Mccann said: "It's not going to stop kids from doing it.
"They will be getting a slap on the wrist if they are found with it and that's it. I think it [nitrous oxide] will still go on. There will be no less canisters around our area than there were last week."
"I can't see people going to prison for possession of it. It's the same if you're caught with cannabis on you. You just get a slap on the wrist unless you have a large amount."