An Aston Villa player was caught on camera using an unusual substance in an unusual way. The substance is called snus. It is a smokeless tobacco product whose roots reportedly stretch to Scandinavia. Snus, as the Villa player was using it, is used by placing the pouch of the substance between the gum and upper lip. It’s kept there until the effects wear off. Snus comes in either portioned or loose varieties.
Snus is popular for its relatively high nicotine content and quick absorption but its legality is confusing. In the European Union, apart from Sweden, the sale of snus has been illegal since 1992. In the UK, it is illegal to buy and sell Snus, however, if you are above the age of 18, it is legal to consume.
The partial ban was put into effect when the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its carcinogenic. The UK health authorities also argue that the substance can cause mouth cancer. The biggest reason, however, for the ban to be put into effect was because of the forceful marketing from US manufacturers.
On the other hand, no concrete scientific research has been made into the impact of snus in sports. According to The Northener, some believe it could be giving soccer players an “increase in alertness and concentration, which is likely to attract competitive athletes.” The English soccer governing body, Footballers Association (FA), has not banned the use of snus, but the situation is being monitored.
Premier League players who have reportedly consumed snus
Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles and Chelsea attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang follow social media accounts where snus can be sourced. In 2016, Sweden and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof posted a picture of it on his Instagram account. However, considering he is Swedish and it is legal there, Lindelof would not come as a surprising consumer.
During Euro 2016, English striker Jamie Vardy was pictured holding a tin of Thunder Ultra. The striker quoted in his autobiography saying: “When I joined Leicester I started using snus, which are nicotine patches that you place against your gums for 10 minutes or so.”
“I used to have the odd fag on a night out at Fleetwood, but one of the lads introduced me to snus when I signed for Leicester and I found they helped me chill out. A lot more footballers use them than people realize, and some lads even play with them during matches.”
The latest player in the list is an Aston Villa substitute from their match against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
Fans react to Aston Villa player caught using snus on camera
After watching the video of the player consuming snus, what most fans are trying to figure out is what is this substance. Here are some fan reactions to the video.
Maybe I’m naive
What is that?
— Never Satisfied 🇺🇦 (@NegativoArsenal) February 18, 2023
Tf is snus
— Adamya (@adss__3010) February 18, 2023
What the hell is snus
— Himothy! (@SocaNRum) February 19, 2023
One fan explained that it is “legal doping”.
It‘s not a secret that a lot of pro athletes take snus.
It‘s proven to have a positive effect on performance. So basically legal doping.
— AFC (@Chambo_afc) February 18, 2023
At the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Aston Villa’s fines list was leaked. It showed a £200 ($240) fine for “snus being left anywhere”. It is still left to be seen if any action is taken against the player. We also await if the Premier League comes out with any new rules regarding the consumption of snus.