Ex-Man Utd target banned indefinitely after being caught smoking in dugout
Former Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan has gone from being one of the hottest prospects in football to being banned by his current club for smoking in the dugout
Former Manchester United target Radja Nainggolan has been suspended indefinitely by his club after being caught smoking in the dugout.
Nainggolan, 34, was named amongst the substitutes for Belgian side Royal Antwerp against Standard Liege on Sunday (October 18), a decision he clearly didn't take kindly to. He decided to take a few puffs of his e-cigarette before kick-off while sat on the bench.
Having also been arrested last week for driving with an expired licence, Antwerp have taken a stand, releasing a statement which read: "The club had a conversation with Radja Nainggolan about his general behaviour and how this affects the club and the team.
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"The club has decided to expel Radja from team A indefinitely. Neither the player nor the club will make any further comments on this."
Despite that, Nainggolan did respond on Instagram, writing: "The club has made a decision I can only accept, even though I think it might be a bit too severe for me. But I will try to contribute in one way or another."
He was brought on at half-time against Liege but couldn't help inspire a comeback for Antwerp, who had gone 3-0 down inside the first 10 minutes. They signed him last summer after his Inter Milan contract was terminated.
Which Premier League player could you see doing this? Let us know in the comments section.
Nainggolan has smoked throughout his career and was forced to apologise in 2018 after posting a video doing just that while celebrating New Year.
He argued to France Football later that year: "A footballer can smoke, even if he does not do a ‘normal’ job. Hiding one thing means you have other things to hide."
Despite that, United, as well as Chelsea, were interested in signing him from Roma that summer before the midfielder ultimately moved to Inter instead. He later explained why he didn't choose the Premier League, telling ESPN: "Of course you are flattered by the interest.
"But there were many things that I was not interested in at all. There are lots of components, lots to evaluate.
"I am the kind of person who above all needs to live well and be at a club which plays to win, or where I am happy with my life. I am interested in waking up in the morning in a place where I feel good."
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