Never change, Radja
Radja Nainggolan – you remember him – has been indefinitely suspended by his club after being seen smoking while on the substitutes’ bench before a game.
The former Roma and Inter Milan midfielder currently plies his trade with Royal Antwerp – or at least he did… – back in his native Belgium.
Two misdemeanours within the space of a few days have, however, forced his club to hit him with a ban.
Nainggolan was arrested last week for driving a car after his licence had expired. After that, he was spotted having a puff on an e-cigarette before Antwerp’s game with Standard Liege, which they ended up losing, 3-0.
Former Inter and Roma star Radja Nainggolan suspended for this not-so-subtle vape
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— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 18, 2022
The 34-year-old, who joined Antwerp after a couple of seasons with Cagliari, started the game on the bench, but came on as a second-half sub. By then, the damage was already done, with Liege scoring their three goals inside the first ten minutes.
‘RAFC today had a conversation with Radja Nainggolan about his general functioning and about how certain behaviours reflect on the club and the group of players,’ a statement from Antwerp said.
‘The club has decided to expel Radja from the A-team indefinitely. Clear agreements have also been made about what our club does and does not expect from its player. Neither player nor club will comment further on this.’
Nainggolan has acknowledged that he accepts his suspension on his Instagram account – though has also added that he believes it to be a little harsh.
‘The club has made a decision I can only accept, even though I think it might be a bit too severe for me. But I will try to contribute in one way or another,’ he said.
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