Jack Wilshere caught smoking behind the bike sheds

Arsenal manager has spoken out against Jack Wilshere after the England midfielder was photographed smoking outside a nightclub.

Asked about the photo, the Arsenal boss said: “Well, I disagree completely with that behaviour… The fact that you can damage your health at home, nobody sees it, you as well damage your reputation as an example.”

To be fair to Wilshere, I don’t think anyone, least of all himself, regards him as a role model.

“I travelled on coaches to away games in France where you couldn’t see each other! But times have changed… and I must say as well English society is very sensitive to smoking, much more than other countries.”

Asked whether he would discipline his player for doing something which, although frowned upon, remains perfectly legal, Wenger replied: “I will leave that between him and me.”

In other words, no.

A spokesman for Wilshere however, is quoted in the Sun claiming the incident was a prank.

“Jack was with team-mates and friends,” he said. “One dared Jack, who does not smoke, to momentarily hold the cigarette as part of a prank.”

Did he also ask him to momentarily put it in his mouth and inhale?

As lame excuses go, that one is right up there with the dog ate my homework.