Football clubs are reportedly testing their players for 'laughing gas' with a 'growing number' now addicted to the drug, according to reports.
Nitrous oxide was made illegal back in November, with a statement at the time saying: "Possession of ‘laughing gas’ is now illegal with repeat serious users facing up to 2 years in prison and dealers up to 14 years.
"The ban, promised as part of the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, makes nitrous oxide a Class C drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
"This means possession of nitrous oxide, where a person intends to wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect, is now an offence.
Football news: Teams are testing players for 'laughing gas' as they look to crack down on illegal drug
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"Consequences could include an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment, a caution (which would appear on their criminal record) and for repeat serious offenders, a prison sentence."
According to The Sun, however, there are a number of footballers who are now hooked on the Class C drug.
It's claimed teams are testing their players because they are noticing 'huge differences' in the expected lung capacity of players and how they can perform.
The report says one star had been set to join a second-tier Championship club.
Yet the deal collapsed after doctors working on his medical 'discovered signs that his nervous system was ravaged by his use of the gas'.
It comes just days after the same newspaper said one Premier League star was in rehab for addiction to the drug.
The player, who isn't named, was reportedly stopped by police who found dozens of canisters inside a car.
His family reportedly alerted his club - who then proceeded to make a 'medical intervention'.
Many of the footballers supposedly think the drug is harmless.
However, using 'laughing gas' for a prolonged period can reduce the body's levels of Vitamin B12 - which is essential for nerve function.
A source is quoted as saying: “One player was massively addicted.
"He was with a club and during a fitness test they said the nerves in his legs were f****d.
“He admitted he was doing loads of balloons and they got rid of him.
“His agent got him into another club for a trial and they were keen to sign him.
"But when they carried out his medical they basically said ‘You’re an addict’ and ended their interest. He’s now without a club.”
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Football news: A number of players are said to be using 'laughing gas' despite the drug being made illegal back in November
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Another is quoted as saying: “It’s an absolutely massive problem, which clubs are only just starting to understand and get a grip on.
“Players think they can get away with it because it doesn’t show up in drug tests and until recently it wasn’t illegal, but some are addicts and it’s having a hugely negative effect on their health and their careers.”
Last year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the decision to ban 'laughing gas'.
"We should have a zero tolerance approach to drugs and the damage they do to young people," he said at the time.
Football news: Rishi Sunak opened up on the decision to ban laughing gas last year
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He continued: "When anyone who walks around that local park, or wherever it is, sees these canisters strewn around even thrown out of car windows - they see people acting in a way that is not respectful after taking these drugs, and I don't want people to feel like that.
"I want people to feel safe in their communities, not to feel intimidated by what people are doing - often fuelled by nitrous oxide."
