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GFX Info Snus Gary Lineker 2023Getty/GOAL
Peter McVitie

'Seven hours of absolute torture' - Gary Lineker reveals his terrifying reaction to trying snus for the first time

Premier League
England

Former England star Gary Lineker has revealed the "absolute torture" he endured after trying snus for the first time.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Ex-England star tried snus
  • Had a horrific seven hours
  • Snus popular among footballers

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The ex-striker and now BBC Sport host has revealed he tried the tobacco product on the eve of Euro 2020. Lineker was staying in a hotel in Manchester with co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards when he was offered snus and, despite initially refusing to try it, caved in and took some back to his room.

  • Gary LinekerGetty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Snus, a tobacco product that is tucked between the top lip and gum, has become popular among English footballers as an alternative to smoking. However, concerns have been raised about the health issues it causes and its addictiveness.

    Lineker, however, had no urge to try snus again after suffering for seven hours after trying the product.

  • WHAT THEY SAID

    "I got undressed ready for bed and suddenly start to feel really, really dizzy. So I sit on the bed and I'm stark naked, and I've whipped this thing straight out my mouth and thrown it in the bin," he said on The Rest is Football podcast.

    "I start to sweat, but I'm freezing. I'm sweating and I'm sweating and there's a pool on the floor, and I can't move. I'm thinking what the hell have they done to me. Eventually I lay on the floor and I crawl to the toilet like a snake, just sliding, that's the only way I could get there.

    "And just before I got to the toilet, I vomit everywhere, it's on the shower screens, it's all over. I'm back on my front, sliding like a snake. I got into my bed and I thought I'll look at the time. It was 7am in the morning. I'd had seven hours of absolute torture.

    "Thank you very much for that Micah."

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  • Gary Lineker Getty

    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is conducting a study into the use of snus among players in England as it has been reported that many players have sought treatment for addiction to it.

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