By Chris Wright
After he was replaced in goal by David Ospina for Arsenal’s FA Cup tie against Hull over the weekend, rumours circulated that Wojciech Szczesny had been dropped by Arsene Wenger for “bad behaviour”.
That tittle-tattle has been fleshed out today with reports in several of the major newspapers that Szczesny was punished after being caught smoking in the showers after the Gunners’ 3-0 defeat against Southampton on New Year’s Day.
Reports that he bummed an L&B off Jack Wilshere are also thought to be wide of the mark.
Indeed, the Mirror are reporting that the Polish stopper, who endured a torrid, error-strewn outing against the Saints, has been fined £20,000 for his filthy insubordination.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have denied other claims – made by former midfielder John Jensen while punditing on Danish television – that Szczesny will not play for the club again as punishment for a dressing room row after the Southampton game.