PEP DRUG ALERT
Doctor in talks with City stars on snus
PEP GUARDIOLA has led the Premier League’s response to Sportsmail’s investigation into the spiralling use of snus within the game.
As revealed yesterday, dozens of footballers are using the smokeless tobacco, the sale of which has been banned in the EU outside Sweden since 1992.
The explosion in usage has sparked health fears and concerns snus may be being used for competitive advantage.
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Everton today, manager Guardiola revealed that the club’s doctor has spoken to their players about the stimulant, which is not banned but which is on the World Anti- Doping Agency’s watchlist.
‘I know about that only this morning when the doctor came into my office to talk about it,’ said Guardiola.
The Catalan added that he was unaware of the effects of snus, which one academic said may improve alertness, concentration, strength and power.
‘I don’t know the benefits or pleasure of that,’ he said. ‘I was preparing the training session. I will ask our doctor.’
Our probe was told of one player, a heavy snus user, who underwent treatment for gum cancer while managers spoke of players using it during matches and as an appetite suppressant.
The substance comes in teabagstyle pouches which are placed between the top lip and the gum. One pouch can provide the nicotine equivalent of three cigarettes.
It is understood that Liverpool are actively discouraging snus use and are confident they do not have anyone taking it at Anfield.
Snus is manufactured in Sweden, where it is not banned from sale. Manchester United’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof appears to be a fan, according to a series of comments on his social media accounts and pictures of tins of the stimulant. United declined to comment.
The investigation also highlighted a number of social media accounts purporting to be snus sellers — and the fact that dozens of footballers across all four divisions followed them. They included Arsenal star PierreEmerick Aubameyang and Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez said he was unaware of players taking snus at the club but that he would be speaking to his medical staff.
Our investigation revealed that one Championship club was fining any player found in possession of snus £10,000. When asked if he would consider a similar ban, Benitez responded: ‘I will talk with the doctor and we will see where we are.’
Meanwhile, the Football Association has reiterated its commitment to warning players of the dangers of legal highs while the EFL is also compliant with the FA’s anti-doping programme.
the drug that is swamping football