SWINDON Town midfielder Drissa Traore has ‘begged for forgiveness’ after apologising for the incident that saw him and two team-mates suspended by the club.

Earlier this week, pictures began circulating on social media of Traore, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill and Jeremy Balmy allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide gas, a legal high commonly known as laughing gas.

The club immediately began an investigation into the incident, suspending the trio and ruling them out of selection for the team until the process is complete.

That means they will be unavailable for Town’s trip to Bradford City in League One on Saturday.

Fellow midfielder Balmy subsequently issued an apology of his own.

Ivorian Traore, 24, who joined Swindon on a free transfer last summer, has admitted making a ‘foolish mistake’ and has asked the club and supporters to forgive him.

In a statement released on Twitter, Traore said: “I take this opportunity to apologise to all of my team-mates, staff and fans of STFC.

“I have made a stupid decision, which is well-documented, and I beg for forgiveness.

“I have let myself, my family and, more importantly, brought Swindon Town's name into the news for the wrong reasons.

“I have made a foolish mistake that I will learn from. I accept the decision of Swindon Town and any punishment to come, but it has hit me hard.

“Being unable to do the thing I love as a footballer and not being able to prove myself on the pitch and repay the faith of STFC is already hurting.

“I hope I can soon be back in the shirt and show how much the club, fans and my team-mates mean to me.

“Sorry I cannot be part of the team tomorrow. Good luck to the boys.”

Several hours later, on his own Twitter account, Balmy posted: "I would like to apologise to Swindon FC, to all of our fans and to the team for our silly behaviour from the other night. I am already learning from this mistake.

"We do not undermine our results at all. I am sincerely sorry.

"I hope my apologies will be accepted and I'll make sure not to misbehave or be disrespectful ever again.

"All my support to my team for tomorrow."