Manchester United star Brandon Williams has been pictured appearing to inhale the legal high nitrous oxide from a balloon near the club’s training grounds.
The 22-year-old full-back, who has failed to break-out into the club’s first team this season, was filmed appearing to breathe in the laughing gas as a passenger in a moving Mercedes Brabus supercar.
In the video published by The Sun he seems to pass a canister of the high to a rear passenger in the car while he is videoed from another vehicle.
The gas is not illegal to possess or use, but is illegal to supply under current legislation.
But the government plans to crack down on the legal high, which is also known as ‘hippy crack’, and ban it completely, as part of a wreath of new legislation designed to show a toughening stance on crime.
Williams, who was born in Manchester where he now plays, has only seen five minutes of match time under manager Erik ten Hag this season.
The exact date when the video footage was filmed is unclear.
A witness to the incident told The Sun: ‘Anyone who follows United or football seriously would have recognised him instantly. It’s irresponsible considering he’s a public figure.
‘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. There is no doubt his manager will not be impressed by it.’
Williams rose through Manchester United’s youth teams to make 51 professional appearances on the pitch to date.
There is speculation he may move to or be borrowed by Middlesbrough after his limited appearances for the club this season.
Nitrous oxide gives users a temporary euphoric high – sometimes leading to fits of giggles – and can induce hallucinations and sound distortions.
But it also has significant risks, from mild side-effects such as headaches to unconsciousness or even death.
PM Rishi Sunak’s plan to eradicate laughing gas comes as part of a package of ‘community justice’ measures.
The ban on nitrous oxide is aimed at protecting youth and ending the littering of canisters in places where young people congegrate.
Writing in the Mail on Monday, Mr Sunak said: ‘We’re going to take a zero-tolerance approach.
‘We’re going to put an end to groups of young people using nitrous oxide, so-called laughing gas, by banning it.
‘And we’re going to expand drug testing on arrest, to include drugs such as ecstasy and cannabis, as well as extending the range of situations that can trigger a drugs test in the first place.’
Manchester United has been contacted for comment.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
