• Premier League

Szczesny 'could face fine for smoking in showers'

Wojciech Szczesny was at fault for both goals during Arsenal's defeat to Southampton on New Year's Day © Getty Images

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could be fined by the club following reports he smoked in the showers after the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day.

Former midfielder John Jensen, a close friend of current assistant boss Steve Bould, alleged during comments made as a media pundit for Danish TV at Sunday's FA Cup third round win over Hull that Szczesny had been involved in a heated bust-up with manager Arsene Wenger and was subsequently dropped in favour of David Ospina - a claim which Arsenal have denied.

Reports have since emerged the player had a cigarette following the match at St Mary's Stadium, during which he was at fault for the goals, though the club refused to comment on speculation the goalkeeper could be fined when contacted by ESPN.

Wenger has spoken out against smoking in the past, with England midfielder Jack Wilshere having been pictured on two separate occasions with a cigarette.

Speaking in October 2013, when Wilshere was snapped outside a London nightclub in the early hours, Wenger said: "I disagree completely with that behaviour.

"There are two things - first of all when you are a football player you are an example and as well you don't do what damages your health.

"The fact is that you can damage your health at home, you can smoke at home and you can drink at home, and nobody sees it, but when you go out socially you also damage your reputation as an example."

It remains to be seen whether Szczesny will be recalled for the home Premier League match against Stoke on Sunday.

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