Former Arsenal star Perry Groves defends players over hippy crack storm – Id rather that than a 15-pint bender

Former Arsenal star Perry Groves defends players over hippy crack storm – Id rather that than a 15-pint bender
Former Arsenal star Perry Groves has defended the Gunners players involved in the latest hippy crack scandal to hit the front pages.A story published in The Sun on Friday shows a number of first-team aces, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi, apparently inhalingnitrous oxide from balloons in a London club.It is claimed the images date back to August, before the start of the new Premier League season.4Its not the first time footballers have been captured taking the substance known as laughing gas or hippy crack.Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling was criticised after he was pictured using the substance in 2015, while Jack Grealish was caught up in a laughing gas storm in 2016 and Kyle Walker apologised after he was pictured taking it in 2013.The exposcomes amid Arsenals brilliant run of 20 games unbeaten in all competitions, and is sure to spark outrage.But former Arsenal winger Groves doesnt think its a big deal, telling talkSPORT the incident seems quite innocent compared to the 15-pint binges players used to go on during his playing days.Id rather they take a little bit of gas out of a balloon than having 15 pint benders like we used to, he said on Thursday nights Sports Bar.4

Groves won two First Division titles and the League Cup in seven years with Arsenal

Also, this is isnt in public, this is a private room theyve hired, so their privacy has been breached if someone from that establishment sold the CCTV footage.The thing that amazes me is that apparently Ozil was involved. You can understand it some of the youngster players were involved, but the older ones?But, then again, when we were 29 and 30 we were with the youngster players and our Tuesday Club galvanised team spirit there was no hierarchy, there were no cliques. It wasnt the older players going out and the young players going out separately, we tried to bring them into the fold.Its no surprise its come out now because Arsenal has gone 20 games unbeaten and everything is going great.But it doesnt outrage me at all to be fair. To me it seems like its quite innocent.4

The story will not have gone down well with manager Unai Emery

The news is unlikely to sit well with manager Unai Emery, but Groves has urged the manager to use the situation to his advantage.Emerys strict managerial style has rejuvenated Arsenal this season following a number of disappointing campaigns under Arsene Wenger.The Spaniard is said to have gone to a number of lengths to ensure his players are in the best shape this season, including banning fruit juices as they contain too much sugar.News that his players went on a legal high binge before the start of the season is not likely to go down well with the boss, but Groves insists the incident can help galvanise the team.4

Aubameyang – the Premier League’s top goalscorers – was among the Arsenal players pictured taking the substance

The two-time First Division title winner added: Unai Emery would have been aware of this before it was printed, will read them the riot act and say theyre tainted the clubs image, what are you doing etc, and he might say hes particularly disappointed with the senior players.He might even fine them a couple of weeks wages, but if I was him I wouldnt because I think this can galvanise you even more.He can bring everyone together and say, this is us against the world here, theyre out to get us and they close ranks.Listen back to Perry Groves on The Sports Bar IN FULL above

---

Harry Kane has to go off injured with another ankle injury (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Kane lasted just four more matches before being ruled out once more with his current problem, but he again appears ahead of schedule. When delving deeper than results, a bigger concern arises.

---

Footballers don't have the best of reputations but Raheem Sterling is proving that some of them have hearts of gold. The Manchester City and England star has displayed incredible generosity by reportedly offering to cover the entire costs of the funeral for Damary Dawkins - a Crystal Palace youth star who tragically died aged just 13.

---

Apr 24, 2019 · Manchester City once again moved a single, slender but hugely significant point ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race as they exposed the vast gulf between them and Manchester United.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview: Where to Watch

---

Manchester City leapfrogged Liverpool thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and late Gabriel Jesus strike which secured a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Sterling's two goals either side of
C Palace 1 - 3 Man City - Match Report & Highlights

---

UEFA call secret meeting to discuss shocking Champions League Change.UEFA will reportedly hold secret talks with top European clubs over potential changes to Europe's elite competition.
Europe's top clubs to hold talks with UEFA over Champions

---

ESPN's full commentary for the Manchester United vs. Valencia football match. Foul by Paul Pogba (Manchester United). has guided Spurs to their first Champions League final and secured
Preview: Valencia vs. Manchester United - prediction, team

---

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig: Odsonne Edouard and Kieran Tierney strike to keep European hopes alive for Brendan Rodgers' side. Celtic took a crucial three points after defeating RB Leipzig in Glasgow
Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig: Hoops keep Europa League hopes alive

---

'I loved it, me!' - Neil Warnock defends Manchester United

---

Souness fears Mane and Salah will 'have heads turned' if bids are made talkSPORT 13:15 6-Jun-19 'Another Mane': Some Southampton fans react to reported eight-figure swoop HITC 12:09 6-Jun-19 Souness fears Real Madrid, Barcelona will try to lure Liverpool lynchpins TEAMtalk 11:26 6-Jun-19
NewsNow: Mohamed Salah news | Breaking News 24/7

---

Manchester United fans are all saying the same thing about Diogo Dalot. Diogo Dalot is set to make his Premier League debut against Southampton on Saturday and Man Utd fans are delighted.
Manchester United players send message to fans after

---

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Courtois makes absolute howler for Belgium against Russia and Chelsea fans LOVE it - 'Karma continues to hunt reptiles' Thursday, 21 March 2019 The last two weeks has been an absolute nightmare for Thibaut Courtois and it's just got a whole lot worse.
Hey 19: Baylor women still among nation's best under Mulkey

---