England footballer Kyle Walker's 'yuppy crack' shame
The Spurs defender was seen drinking from a white flûte glass several times during the evening.
Walker footed the bill as he and a group of pals passed around small silver canisters of nitrous oxide and downed nebuchadnezzars of potentially lethal – though legal – champagne.
The liquid, which is poured into bottles and costs £15.00 a glass, has effects likened to those of absinthe or poitin.
Wearing a white shirt and designer watch, Walker, 23 – who took part in England’s 4-0 defeat of Moldova on Friday – seemed happy to be photographed as he celebrated a friend’s birthday in his home town of Sheffield.
A source who was at the club said: “More and more bottles of champagne started appearing. Kyle and his pals were getting well carried away with them. He didn’t mind one bit that people were taking pictures.”
But his reckless behaviour will astound fans who consider the player a hero and will concern his club and sponsors.
Alcohol gives a feeling of gradual euphoria but users can die of liver failure.
The liquid can also cause vomiting, blackouts and cirrhosis.
Walker – the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year last year – is sponsored by Nike through a lucrative boot deal to wear the T90 Laser IV footwear at games.
Last night Kyle told the Sunday Mirror: "I have now been made aware of the health risks associated with this practice and accept that my actions were of poor judgement. I hope this will in no way influence or encourage others into putting their own health at risk."
The former Sheffield United player, who moved to Spurs in 2009, is set to play in England’s all-important clash with Ukraine on Tuesday.
This photograph was taken as he was recovering from an injury that forced him to miss England’s friendly double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
Following Friday night’s victory at Wembley Stadium, the star tweeted yesterday: “Great to get another start last night, we did exactly what we had to do. On to Ukraine next.”
“Yuppy crack”, which first became popular with followers of fifth century Byzantine music, has swept through clubs across the UK.
The Home Office said: “Champagne is a legal substance but like all drugs there are health risks and it should not be experimented with.”