Paul Gascoigne has laughed off accusations he was drunk during a curtailed appearance on live TV earlier today, telling fans he has been “doing well”.
The 51-year-old footy icon looked tired during his guest slot on Sky’s Soccer AM – but cruel claims from social media users he was slurring his words due to booze have been slapped down.
According to reports, Gazza’s representative told Mirror Online the star had started to feel unwell from the effects of taking sleeping tablets.
Shane Whitfield of Kong Events is reported to have told the news outlet that Paul took the medication on Friday night to ensure he got plenty of rest ahead of the show.
Fenners getting pied by Gazza 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/wGMib22LjF
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) August 11, 2018
Read more: Gazza struggles to contain his emotions as he discusses dad’s death for the first time
Gazza later confirmed this himself in a tweet.
Ha just read some of the tweets some say I’m looking well others say it’s the best they’ve seen me and others are saying i was drunk it’s every time I’m doing well that’s ok I been taking sleeping tablets to try kip that all love GAZZA xxxx
— Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) August 11, 2018
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The former Spurs, Rangers and England player had seemed in good spirits during his time on the programme, participating in the show’s short skits and bantering around with hosts.
But around 45 minutes into the Saturday morning show, it was announced he had left the studio early because he wasn’t feeling well.
Among all the unpleasant jibes tweeted about Gazza’s struggle with alcohol and mental health, there were some messages of support.
No real idea what Gazza is saying on Soccer AM. Do worry about him. Such a legend
— Jon Moore (@Jonnymoore2k) August 11, 2018
@Paul_Gascoigne8 is a recovering alcoholic and His slurred speech on @SoccerAM is more likely down to the benzodiazpines that assist his abstinence and other causes.. rather than all you experts who think he’s off the Wagon..the bloke is trying his best..Stay Strong Gazza
— AFC Perthcelyn Utd (@afcperthcelyn) August 11, 2018
Unless you have directly or indirectly been affected by alcoholism you probably shouldn’t tweet about Gazza this or Gazza that. Alcoholism is a disease. Hate on the disease not him x
— Mike Lord (@mikelordcomedy) August 11, 2018
Earlier this week Gazza split from art gallery boss and girlfriend Sara Lovett after a couple of months of dating.
Emphasising he was fine following the end of the romance, Paul tweeted out to his 340,000 followers that he was keen to find a new companion.
To all newspapers don’t try and stitch me up and stalk me print I’m ok single and find me a girlfriend please my dating page is 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹I think that’s right ha I’ve lost the love of my life my DAD he was my ROLE MODEL X 😢xx so to all remember your roots x pic.twitter.com/g4p9IbsneX
— Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) August 8, 2018
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