Iwobi Faces Punishment over Pre-match Party
Arsenal FC Manager, Arsene Wenger, has said that Alex Iwobi will be fined if it is confirmed that he was at a party 36 hours before Sunday’s FA Cup loss at Nottingham Forest.
A video appearing to show the 21-year-old at the party in the early hours of Saturday morning was released on social media.
Iwobi played the full match as holders Arsenal lost the third-round tie 4-2.
Wenger said is it “impossible” and “unacceptable” to go out within 48 hours of a game.
The footage, which was uploaded to Snapchat, appears to show the Nigerian dancing at a party in a house in central London at 02:37 GMT, and was published in UK’s The Sun newspaper.
But Wenger said Iwobi was not involved in either taking drugs or drinking alcohol.
“First of all we have to be cautious with everything that is coming out,” Wenger added.
“When you read what is reported it is like he has taken drugs. He was not involved in that at all.
“He has been out at a birthday party and how long he has stayed? That is important. After, I will decide what happens.”
Wenger added: “You know that sometimes you want to prepare 100 per cent but it is not always a guarantee you will be at your best. But that is what is requested from a top-level professional.”
According to The Sun the Arsenal midfield star was videoed screaming and dancing at 2.37am on Saturday in Soho, central London, hours before featuring for the Gunners in their 4-2 FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest at Ashton Gate.
Iwobi was filmed dancing at the wild bash where partygoers smoked cannabis and inhaled laughing gas but there was no suggestion that the Super Eagles star took drugs during the house party, according to the report.
“Maybe his partying had something to do with it. He shouldn’t be up that late,” The Sun quoted a source.
The report added that the neighbours complained about the noise from the rented flat in Soho, central London, where the party continued until 3.30am.
One of the neighbours said: “They were keeping everyone in the building awake. I was woken at 1am by chanting and singing and went to complain. There were laughing gas canisters all over the place and a strong smell of weed.
“They claimed they hadn’t been allowed into a club and that’s why they rented the flat.”