Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish was heavily scrutinized after being captured partying hard with plenty of alcoholic drinks during his vacation break in Las Vegas last weekend.
Following the controversial episode, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has urged football clubs to outlaw alcohol consumption.
"I'd be saying this to any player whose party-boy antics saw him regularly wind up on the front pages of newspapers and websites – and I hope soon he will heed my advice," the former Liverpool star wrote in his column for the Mirror.
"As crazy as this will sound to non-sports people, I'd actually like to see football clubs outlawing the consumption of alcohol by players altogether.
"The science is clear – alcohol seriously decreases athletic performance, which is why Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and James Milner steer clear. Doing so hasn’t done those three any harm, has it?"
Stan Collymore went on to admit that the temptation to consume alcohol will always be there for players like Jack Grealish and his Manchester City colleague Phil Foden.
The 51-year-old, however, maintains that football in general should consider clamping down on alcohol, as it will have a positive impact, not only on the sport, but also on the wider society.
"Look, I get that in football, where the close season is short, the temptation to get hammered is strong even for those who drink almost nothing during the season.
"And it’s not easy for such as Grealish, Phil Foden or any number of young British players because having a skinful and letting your hair down is very much a part of our culture.
"But perhaps if football implemented a no-drinking rule it might just have a positive effect on our wider society. And if lorry drivers and machine operators are tested regularly for the levels of alcohol in their systems, why not do it with our footballers?"
Jack Grealish's numbers for Manchester City last season
The attacker had his debut outing with Manchester City last season following his £100 million mega transfer from Aston Villa in August.
However, he had a slow start to life at the Etihad Stadium, struggling to impress in Pep Guardiola's star-studded team.
Jack Grealish contributed a paltry six goals and four assists in 39 appearances for the Cityzens across all competitions during the campaign. All eyes will be on him to find his feet at the club next term.
Where does Mane rank in Paul Merson's 5 greatest Liverpool signings of the Klopp era? Click here
m2tge©ity
0
i keep wondering what we saw in Grealish...
[Crylaugh] he is so average man
bucacsyz
0
i keep wondering what we saw in Grealish...
😂😂😂 like??… me too bro
PhilipEmmanuel
3
I think a better way to say it is to reduce alcohol intake not too much stopping it won't do no good Ronaldo n co don't like it Ronaldo bcuz of his father.its also a good thing too like he said reduces athletic performance but it should be reduced players should be more serious n dedicated not partying n drinking there's time for everything
Andile1986
1
Did you see Messi's Name in the article? And ask yourself how old is he as compared to those mentioned in the article 😌
i mentioned Messi because he is an elite player and I'm countering his argument. plenty players drink and have brilliant careers the likes of Diago, van bastan , Terry, Ferdinand he must sit down. dumb argument
YormGokah
1
Messi drinks this argument is dead
Did you see Messi's Name in the article? And ask yourself how old is he as compared to those mentioned in the article 😌
Andile1986
3
Messi drinks this argument is dead
Andile1986
0
he ruined his message by putting Milner next to Ronaldo and Ibra , now it won't be taken seriously
preach 2 legends of the game. placing milner name in the same sentence as the other 2 should be regarded as an insult he should get a fine
NaimwakaAndrewCoc
2
leave the fellas are enjoying their part time off duty
m2tge©ity
3
i keep wondering what we saw in Grealish...
Feebceiloy
1
he ruined his message by putting Milner next to Ronaldo and Ibra , now it won't be taken seriously
Shut up,Milner doesn't drink and is still a reliable player considering his position as a midfielder as well as a utility wing back. Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic may not survive in his position at their ages, not to even talk about his work rate. Milner is a perfect example, even if he doesn't play every weekend
Impactful
3
I think Grealish is inspired by Maradona🤣
Rimshadzaid
0
abstain from alcohol
Lovebug2
2
is he against Manchester City? why throw FODEN name into it and not Alexander Arnold who drinks more than Foden . Why don't you include the 9 Manchester United ayers who drink badly too
ShehzadQureshi
2
he ruined his message by putting Milner next to Ronaldo and Ibra , now it won't be taken seriously
saurav5105
1
If you want to be healthy and prosperous first thing you do is to sacrifice alcohol............
Cabacdeilr
0
let him drink more..
Madaciklu
4
at least he's excelling in partying and drinking whilst at City
SyamLal632
1
Grealish is always in ALCOHOL 😂