Arsenal's Lacazette could face discipline for apparent nitrous oxide use

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette could face discipline from the club after photos surfaced of the French forward appearing to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon.

Images from newspaper reports in England show Lacazette with a balloon at his lips, and the accompanying caption in a text message to friends reads "at home, chilling and doing balloons."

"This is a private matter which we are taking seriously. It will be handled internally," a club spokesman said, according to The Guardian's Nick Ames.

Arsenal could punish Lacazette for his second incident of recreationally using nitrous oxide, commonly known as "hippy crack" or "whippits."

Lacazette and teammates Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were seen in a 2018 video inhaling the gas at a nightclub, prompting Arsenal to warn the first-team quartet.

This marks the second time the striker has come under criticism this summer. Lacazette was photographed in late-April defying government-mandated lockdown orders by standing too close to a valet.

Arsenal also dealt with that issue internally, reminding Lacazette of his responsibilities.

The 28-year-old joined the Gunners ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, registering seven goals in 20 league appearances this season prior to the suspension of play due to the coronavirus pandemic.