Former Arsenal youngster contract terminated as he’s remanded in custody | OneFootball

Former Arsenal youth player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has had his contract with Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton terminated “with immediate effect” following his arrest on charges related to drug smuggling.

Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, is accused of orchestrating the importation of £600,000 worth of cannabis into the UK from Bangkok.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Jay Emmanuel Thomas of Livingston is seen during the Betfred Cup Final match between Livingston and St Johnstone at Hampden Park on February 28, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested at his home in Gourock, near Glasgow, on Wednesday morning and later taken to Carlisle for questioning. He appeared in court later that day, where it was revealed that law enforcement had seized 60kg of cannabis hidden in suitcases that arrived at Stansted Airport from Bangkok.

His lawyer stated that the footballer “strenuously denies” any involvement in the drug smuggling operation.

Greenock Morton initially issued a statement expressing that they were awaiting further information.

However, just a few hours later, the club confirmed that Emmanuel-Thomas’ six-month contract had been terminated immediately, stating that they would not comment further on the matter.

The case stems from an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which led to the discovery of cannabis spread across four suitcases, with 29kg in two bags and 31kg in the other two.

Two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.

Prosecutors revealed that one of the women is Emmanuel-Thomas’ partner and that the group had flown business class from Bangkok to the UK via Dubai. Both women were charged with drug importation offences and bailed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 1 October.

Emmanuel-Thomas’ lawyer, Nathaniel Gadsby, maintained that his client denied the allegations. Gadsby emphasised Emmanuel-Thomas’ “good character” and lack of previous convictions, stressing his long-standing career as a professional footballer.

Despite these claims, the deputy district judge, Steven Jonas, ruled the charges too serious to be dealt with at a magistrates’ court, and Emmanuel-Thomas was remanded in custody after his bail application was rejected.

Rise and fall of a former Gunner

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 26: (L-R) Arsenals Jack Wilshere, Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Sanchez Watt celebrate winning the FA Youth Cup during the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final sponsored by E.ON, between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on May 26, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas joined Arsenal at the age of eight and spent 13 years with the club, largely playing for the academy.

During his time with Arsenal, he was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup and the Premier Academy League in 2008/09.

He went on to make five appearances for Arsenal’s first team, including a Premier League appearance, before moving on loan to Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers, and Cardiff City.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 26: Steven Irwin of Liverpool battles with Jay Emmanuel Thomas of Arsenal during the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final sponsored by E.ON, between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on May 26, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Emmanuel-Thomas left Arsenal permanently in 2011 to join Ipswich Town, and his career since then has seen him move across multiple clubs, including Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, PTT Rayong in Thailand, and Jamshedpur FC in India.

He signed a short-term deal with Greenock Morton in July 2024, but his career -and his life – has now been derailed by the drug smuggling allegations.