Arsenal fans on social media could not believe what they spotted new signing Riccardo Calafiori doing during their Champions League match on Tuesday
Arsenal secured their first European victory of the season on Tuesday, defeating French champions Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and captain Bukayo Saka extended the lead with a stunning free kick just before halftime.
However, the match drew attention for new defender Calafiori, who was seen putting something in his mouth after receiving a yellow card in the 76th minute. Some fans speculated it was a vape after teammate Declan Rice handed it to him, with one remarking, “Did I just see Rice pass Calafiori a vape?” Another joked about Calafiori taking “vape breaks.” Yet, many pointed out it was likely an energy gel pack meant to maintain players’ energy and electrolytes during the game, urging fans not to jump to conclusions.
Energy gels are commonly used by athletes in elite sports to aid recovery or boost energy during intense training sessions or matches. In football, players typically consume them during refreshment breaks but can take them at any pause in play.
After ingestion, the simple sugars in the gels are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering a quick energy boost. Each gel usually contains around 25g of carbohydrates, offering approximately 45 minutes of energy, making them popular for use around half-time.
