Mason Greenwood speaks out on a viral video of him inhaling laughing gas which was shared on social media platform Snapchat.
The Manchester United forward has apologised and admitted to “poor judgement” after “historical pictures” of him inhaling laughing gas emerged.
The 18-year-old appeared to inhale nitrous oxide – used in hosptail to relieve pain – from a balloon in a video, reportedly filmed a number of weeks ago.
Greenwood apologised for his actions and said he has been made aware of the health risks associated with the practice, and urged others not to follow his example.
“I have now been made aware of the health risks associated with this practice and accept that even trying it, as shown in these historical pictures, was poor judgement on my part. I strongly urge others not to follow my example,” he said in a statement.
“As an 18-year-old I am learning all the time, however, this week I have also learned that I will be judged to a higher standard because of my career as a footballer and I must respect that in future. I am determined to repay the faith shown in me by my manager and coaches.”
Greenwood is currently training away from the rest of the Manchester United squad as he awaits the results of a coronavirus test.
He was sent home from the England squad last week after he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, 20, breached quarantine rules while on international duty in Iceland.
A video has emerged of a Snapchat call between Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood talking to the girls in Iceland [@asammufc] pic.twitter.com/eg64kLCFj5
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) September 7, 2020
“Having now had the chance to reflect on what’s happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused,” Greenwood said on Tuesday in a statement on United’s website.
“It was irresponsible of me to break the Covid-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.
“In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down when he had shown great trust in me. Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.
“I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from.”
On Monday, Foden issued a lengthy apology on Instagram: “Following the story which has emerged today regarding my actions in Iceland, I want to make a full apology.
“I apologise to Gareth Southgate, to my England team mates, to the staff, supporters and also to my club and my family.
“When I was called up by Gareth for these games, my first reaction was that of immense pride. To pull on that shirt for the senior team in my England debut was an incredible privilege.
“I am a young player with a lot to learn, but I am aware of the huge responsibility I have in representing Manchester City and England at this level. On this occasion I made a poor decision and my behaviour didn’t meet the standards expected of me.
“I breached COVID-19 protocols put in place to protect myself and my England colleagues. As a consequence I will now miss the opportunity to travel to Denmark with the squad, and that hurts. I will learn a valuable lesson from this error in judgement and I wish Gareth and the team good luck this week.”
“I think I’m very conscious that these two boys are going to walk into something that’s going to be very intense, and very difficult for them at their age to deal with,” Southgate said.
“Whether people like it or not I’ve got to try and support them and I’ve got to try and not add to how difficult their situation is going to be. That said, I will be very clear with them on my feelings and how they need to respond.”
Fans reacted as Mason Greenwood speaks out on video of him inhaling laughing gas, most were furious at The Sun for first reporting the story…
What next for this absolute dope?
— Connor???????? (@cxnnorg) September 13, 2020
He needs to grow up now.
— Mendez (@MarkCopovi10) September 13, 2020
Apologised because he got caught !!!
— JT1919PREM? (@JohnmjtJt1919) September 13, 2020
He done that himself ?
— LFC ?? ☘️ (@Lfc6time) September 13, 2020
To be fair shouldn’t do stupid stuff then lol.
— QHP⚫️⚪️ (@NufcNfu) September 13, 2020
As much as I hate seeing negative press about young English players by the Sun etc if he wasn’t putting himself in these situations he wouldn’t have the negative press… needs to grow up now.
— • (@madtingz_) September 12, 2020
18 or not he needs to grow up now, playing for one of if not the most known club itw, playing for England, doing well for himself on the pitch whys he got to let himself down off it?
— • (@madtingz_) September 12, 2020
typical young footballer making mistakes we are all human needs to think about what he’s doing tbh but its so over dramatised
— Gavin Brooke?⚪ (@GavBrooke10) September 12, 2020
Greenwood is the new Sterling
— Ben ? (@AfcBxn) September 12, 2020
Congratulations Mason. You know you’ve made the big time when the gutter press look for any negative angle they can find. A long career lies ahead.
— Craig Rice (@manc999) September 12, 2020
The sun trying there best to destroy our yound talent again..
— Drew Bailey (@82bailey) September 13, 2020
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