CARDIFF City star Connor Wickham is seen appearing to inhale “hippy crack” laughing gas after his side’s defeat to rivals Swansea on Saturday.
The clip, posted on his Instagram, seems to show Wickham breathing in with a balloon to his mouth – a known method of taking the drug, just hours after his team’s 3-2 home defeat.
The since-deleted footage sparked criticism from fans as the ace, who turned 30 the previous day, could be seen with a group of people singing and dancing in a car.
Wickham himself has responded to the controversy, with a statement posted to social media.
He wrote: “I’m obviously aware of a video circulating on social media. I know my responsibility as a professional.
“Playing for Cardiff City is a huge privilege, I’ve been so welcomed by you all and I will always give 100%.
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“To lose the game the way we did yesterday hurt more than ever, even though you will feel it doesn’t seem that way to me.”
Wickham came on as a substitute in the match before Swansea won the South Wales derby to a 99th minute stunner from Ben Cabango.
The under-fire striker added: “I hope you can all understand and I will do my best [to] help my team and this club to achieve the best possible outcome this season.”
A spokesperson for Cardiff City told Wales Online that the club was “looking into” the video.
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It comes less than a week after the Government announced plans to make possession of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, illegal.
The previously legal high can be highly dangerous if abused.
Taking too much can cause nerve damage, heart issues and even death as users can slip into unconsciousness and asphyxiate.
It comes after fellow footballer Brandon Williams, who plays for Premier League side Manchester United, was seemingly caught puffing the same gas.
The £60,000-a-week full back was snapped inhaling from a balloon while sitting as a passenger in a Brabus supercar near the club’s training ground.
A witness told the Sun: “It was so obvious to anyone driving by what he was doing.
“Anyone who follows United or football seriously would have recognised him instantly.
“It’s irresponsible considering he’s a public figure.
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“He’s meant to be a role model for youngsters and upcoming footballers.
“Taking that rubbish, especially so casually, could be hindering his ability on the pitch.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
