Iwobi faces £60,000 fine after pictures of him partying 48 hours before Arsenal match go public

SUPER Eagles winger Alex Iwobi is likely to face a hefty fine of £60,000 after he was caught breaking a curfew imposed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to attend a drug-fuelled birthday party just a day before a match.

Iwobi 21, was caught on video enjoying himself at the bash which lasted until 2am last Saturday morning. Arsenal were playing an FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest the following day and as it happened, the Gunners lost the match 2-4, thus getting knocked out of the FA Cup in a humiliating manner.

In the match, Iwobi put in a dismal display as the Gunners were humbled 4-2 by a Forest side fighting against the threat of relegation from the Championship to League One. Arsenal boss Wenger says he has seen The Sun’s exclusive story about Iwobi’s partying, adding that he will be hauling the player in to demand an explanation, claiming his behaviour is unacceptable.

Wenger said: “If that is true he will be fined, it is impossible to go out before the game, it is unacceptable. I will see him to see if it is right or not.”

"It was not the night before the game it was 48 hours before the game but it is not acceptable but I will have to speak to him. First of all you have to be cautious with all the news coming out as when you read what is reported it is like he has taken drugs and he has not been involved in that at all."

Apparently Mr  Wenger was expected to sit down with Iwobi after training to ask him to explain his actions. He will then decide whether the 21-year-old will be part of his squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea tonight.

Iwobi has often been part of Wenger’s first team squad this season but that may now be under threat. So far this season, Iwobi has failed to sparkle and during his numerous appearances has not rediscovered the form that got him into the Arsenal first team in the first place.