Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has issued a public apology after footage emerged showing him inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or hippy crack. The Mali international has since explained that the incident occurred during a period of severe personal distress following multiple traumatic incidents at his home.
Video Incident and Apology
Footage of Bissouma inhaling laughing gas was published last week, with the video reportedly recorded in the early hours of November 3. According to reports, the clip was sent to a woman who had been invited to join him at a party in London.
The 29-year-old midfielder has now apologised to supporters, stressing that the incident is behind him.
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore because it’s over. But to the fans, I am very sorry,” Bissouma said.
Tottenham confirmed last week that the club was investigating the video.
Trauma Following £1m in Burglaries
Bissouma revealed that the incident came in the aftermath of burglaries at his home in July, during which thieves allegedly stole nearly £1 million worth of items, including luxury designer watches, jewellery, and bags.
Speaking about the impact, he said:
“I’m a strong person. I’m a mentally and physically strong African man. I’ve faced battles and storms before, but these incidents broke something in me I didn’t even know could break.”
He described suffering from fear, panic, depression, paranoia, and sleepless nights, adding that the trauma went far beyond the material losses.
Bissouma also admitted that he sometimes slept at Tottenham’s training ground because he was too scared to stay at home.
Previous Attacks and Ongoing Ordeal
The midfielder’s troubles reportedly began earlier this year. In June 2024, while holidaying in Cannes with his girlfriend, Bissouma was allegedly pepper-sprayed by two robbers who escaped with a watch valued at around £260,000.
In November 2024, thieves were also said to have attempted to break into his home by forcing the front door, prompting Bissouma to flee out of the back of the house.
Adding to his difficulties, court revelations in November revealed that Bissouma had also been a victim of fraud, with £800,000 reportedly stolen from a Coutts bank account.
Legal Context Around Nitrous Oxide
Possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use has been a criminal offence in the UK since 2023. Under the law, possession can carry a prison sentence of up to two years.
This is not the first time Bissouma has faced consequences related to laughing gas. At the start of last season, he was suspended by Tottenham after a similar incident. Former manager Ange Postecoglou left him out for one match before reinstating him following an apology.
“I want to apologise for these videos, this was a severe lack of judgment,” Bissouma said at the time. “I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”
Tottenham Career and Current Situation
Despite the setback, Bissouma worked his way back into Tottenham’s side last season, making 44 appearances and playing the full 90 minutes in Spurs’ Europa League final victory in May.
However, the midfielder has not featured for the club this season. New manager Thomas Frank dropped him at the start of the campaign due to persistent lateness and later left him out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad, although Frank has maintained that there is still a pathway back.
Bissouma’s prospects were further hit after he sustained an ankle injury while representing Mali in World Cup qualifiers last month.
Transfer Outlook
Tottenham reportedly plan to trigger an option in Bissouma’s contract to preserve his value if he is not sold in January. There was interest during the summer from Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, but Spurs were unwilling to accept less than £10 million for a player they signed from Brighton for £25 million in 2022.
The midfielder, who has played in the Premier League since joining Brighton from Lille in 2018, is understood to be settled in England and keen to continue his career there.
