Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Leigh Griffiths that his time away from football should not be treated as a holiday.
The striker was pictured at Newcastle races over the weekend prompting a response on twitter.
Griffiths took to social media to say it was "laughable" to suggest he has been on leave because of gambling or drug problems.
The Scottish international has been given time off by his club while he deals with what they describe as "ongoing issues". Although they did not specify publicly what these issues are.
He hasn't featured since the 5-1 Premiership win over Kilmarnock in early December.
"I am off work due to my mental health state, not gambling, drugs, or any other issue that has been written about me."
— LG9️⃣ (@Leighgriff09) January 6, 2019
Rodgers fired a warning at Griffiths after his trip to races
He has since received a public warning from his manager. Rodgers says that his time away from football should be used to deal with his issues and not viewed as a holiday:
“Leigh was off on health grounds. He is not on holiday
“It’s very important that he understands why he is off and why he has been given the time off.
“Why he has to maximise that time in terms of getting better.
“That’s about getting specialist help and lying low and focusing on the simple things in your life that will allow you to be better.”
PIC EXCLUSIVE: Troubled Celtic ace Leigh Griffiths places bets at races with £10 noteshttps://t.co/j2cOhnbX8f pic.twitter.com/4m9RznMH7l
— The Scottish Sun (@ScottishSun) January 5, 2019
