Ex-Inter and Roma star caught smoking on bench and 'suspended indefinitely' by club

talksport.com, 18 October 2022, 12:01

Radja Nainggolan has been suspended indefinitely by his club Royal Antwerp after being caught smoking in the dugout before a Belgian league fixture.

The 34-year-old was named among the substitutes for Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Standard Liege, which saw Antwerp surrendered top spot in the table to rivals Genk.

It was a day to forget for the former Roma midfielder who was caught red handed trying to enjoy a few puffs on his e-cigarette prior to kick-off, with cameras and photographers picking up his antics.

Nainggolan has been no stranger to controversy since returning to his homeland in 2021 after spending his entire professional career in Italy.

He was recently stopped by Belgian police for driving without a licence and his new misdemeanour appears to have angered club chiefs.

Antwerp released a statement on the club's website saying: "The club had a conversation with Radja Nainggolan about his general behaviour and how this affects the club and the team.

"The club has decided to expel Radja from team A indefinitely. Neither the player nor the club will make any further comments on this."

The former Belgium international was introduced at half-time despite his pre-match actions but was unable to inspire his side to a comeback.

Antwerp face a top-of-the-table clash against Genk this weekend and their experienced midfielder looks set to be missing from what will be a crucial game against the current league leaders.

Nainggolan was linked with moves to both Manchester United and Chelsea during his time in Serie A where he will be best remembered for his four-year stint at Roma.

He also represented Piacenza, Cagliari and Inter Milan where he won his only trophy - the 2021 Serie A title.

Read full version: https://talksport.com/football/1222849/radja-nainggolan-suspended-indefinitely-royal-antwerp-smoking-belgian-league/

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Ex-Inter and Roma star caught smoking on bench and 'suspended indefinitely' by club

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