According to a report in Gazzetta dello Sport, Wojciech Szczesny was dropped by AS Roma at the weekend after the keeper was caught smoking in the aftermath of the Italian side’s 6-1 Champions League hammering at the hands of Barcelona.

Yep, you read that right. Caught again. Allegedly.

As has been well-documented the Pole put his Arsenal career in jeopardy last season when he lit up at St Mary’s after a New Year’s day defeat to Southampton. He was subsequently frozen out of the first team before being loaned to Roma in the summer after the acquisition of Petr Cech.

Since arriving in the Italian capital Szczesny has demonstrated impressive form – so good that Roma have spoken about keeping him permanently – and spoken openly about the stupidity of the behaviour that’s seen him earn a bad reputation.

It’s not clear where Szczesny was caught indulging in his latest cigarette – it’s suggested a teammate was also involved – but it is obvious that, if true, he’s a been bit of a plonker taking such a risk when he knows Arsene Wenger is keeping close tabs on him.

With veteran stopper Morgan de Sanctis in goal Roma lost 2-0 at home to Atalanta to compound a terrible week for Rudi Garcia’s side. It remains to be seen whether Szczesny regains his place for next weekend’s game with Torino.

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UPDATE – AS Roma are claiming that Szczesny was dropped for ‘technical’ reasons. Hmm.

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