Aston Villa have suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor pending an investigation into newspaper claims that he was spotted with laughing gas canisters while partying following the club's relegation from the Premier League on Saturday.

Last week, the 29-year-old, who recently served a suspension after flying to Dubai on holiday, was given a fortnight off to undergo a "personal fitness programme".

At the weekend, a report in The Sun claimed that Agbonlahor was pictured with canisters of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) while partying in London's Mayfair Hotel a few hours after Villa were relegated to the Championship.

The striker now faces further action against the Midlands club, who announced on Tuesday that an internal investigation has been launched.

A statement from Villa via their official website read: "Aston Villa Football Club has today suspended Gabby Agbonlahor pending an internal investigation.

"This is following allegations concerning his conduct at the weekend. There will be no further comment from the club in relation to this matter until the investigation has been completed."

The news comes amid a tumultuous time for Villa, who confirmed yesterday that both David Bernstein and Lord Mervyn King have resigned from the board with immediate effect.

The club are still searching for a manager following the departure of Remi Garde last month.