Villa suspend Agbonlahor over shisha pipe controversy

Reflecting on the decision at Friday's pre-match news conference, Villa caretaker manager Eric Black said: "I didn't want it to become a Gabby Agbonlahor circus."

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor

Aston Villa has suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor while it carries out an internal investigation into his conduct.

Pictures of the forward appearing to hold a shisha pipe while on holiday in Dubai during the recent international break surfaced in the media this week.

The club has confirmed he will play no part in Saturday's game against Premier League champions Chelsea while it looks into the matter.

Villa is 12 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League and parted company with manager Remi Garde on Tuesday.

A club statement posted on Twitter read: "Gabby Agbonlahor will not be involved in Saturday’s early afternoon clash with @ChelseaFC.

"An internal investigation is currently underway. While this is being conducted, Gabby Agbonlahor will not feature."

Reflecting on the decision at Friday's pre-match news conference, Villa caretaker manager Eric Black said: "I didn't want it to become a Gabby Agbonlahor circus."