Tottenham bans Yves Bissouma for season opener due to laughing gas video | Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou said Yves Bissouma must earn back his trust after confirming that Tottenham’s Malian midfielder has been banned for Monday’s season-opening game against Leicester after being seen inhaling laughing gas last weekend.

The 27-year-old described his behaviour as a “serious lack of judgement” and apologised after a video emerged on Saturday night of him inhaling a balloon believed to contain laughing gas. Tottenham announced an internal investigation had been launched and Postecoglou said on Thursday the former Brighton midfielder had been banned for one match as punishment.

“There are still sanctions and some of them are educational. He is a footballer with responsibilities,” said the Spurs manager. “He will not be available on Monday. We have suspended him for Monday’s game. He needs to rebuild that trust with both me and the group. The door is open for him and we can help him to realise that his decisions have an impact on the group.”

When asked how Bissouma could regain his trust, Postecoglou replied: “Behaviour, mate. It’s that simple. It’s about making better decisions. He has apologized profusely to me, the club and everyone involved, but that’s only part of it. I think the best way is awareness and education and understanding the consequences of such decisions.”

“You are responsible for what you do. He made a bad decision. But in this context, we all make mistakes and there should always be a chance for rehabilitation and redemption for every person, including footballers. That is now up to Biss.”

Aside from Bissouma, Postecoglou expects to have a near full squad available for the game against newly promoted Leicester after Brazilian striker Richarlison underwent surgery to repair a pelvic injury in the summer. £55million signing Dominic Solanke is expected to make his debut, while Archie Gray could challenge for a starting midfield spot in Bissouma’s absence after playing in a number of different positions in pre-season.

“Great boy, strong attitude,” said Postecoglou of the 18-year-old who arrived from Leeds. “Part of the attraction was that he can play in more than one position. He has a great chance to play on Monday.”