Former Inter and Roma midfielder, Radja Nainggolan has been banned indefinitely by Belgian side, Royal Antwerp for smoking on the club’s bench.

The 34-year-old Belgian International joined the Belgian side last year after leaving Inter on a free transfer, leaving Italy for the first time in over a decade. He signed a two-year deal with Royal Antwerp and has been a divisive figure since his arrival, sometimes showing glimpses of his quality and other times disappearing in matches.

Nainggolan was recently arrested in Belgium for driving with an expired licence, he was spotted using an e-cigarette ahead of Antwerp’s 3-0 defeat to Standard Liege on Sunday.

The club were understandably not impressed and sent the 34-year-old to the B team.

Royal Antwerp said in a statement on the club’s official website: “RAFC today had a conversation with Radja Nainggolan about his general functioning and about how certain behaviors reflect on the club and the group of players. The club has decided to expel Radja from the A-team indefinitely. Clear agreements have also been made about what our club does and does not expect from its player. Neither player nor club will comment further on this.”

The Ex-Cagliari midfielder has taken to Instagram to try and smooth the situation over.

He wrote on his Insta story: “ I just want to say here that l’m also sorry for what I did… I also declare this completely wrong myself.

“But just didn’t think about it at the time… the club has made a decision that I can only accept even though I may find it a bit too hard myself but somehow I will try to continue to contribute.” He concluded.

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