Leigh Griffiths - It's OK not to be OK

On Wednesday afternoon in Celtic's pre-match press conference for their clash with RB Leipzig, manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that striker Leigh Griffiths will be taking an indefinite break from football due to a number of "ongoing issues" that he's been battling over the last few months. The 28 year-old has reportedly been checked into rehab and will miss some key matches during the festive period as he receives help and advice to guide him through this difficult period in his life.

When speaking to the media, Rodgers didn't elaborate on what these issues were exactly but it is believed by many that gambling has played a major part in his move to rehab. The forward has endured an incredibly tough time over the last few months and these issues also played a part in him withdrawing from the Scotland squad for their friendly with Portugal back in October - which shows that he's been battling his demons for quite a while now. Responsible gambling is something that is so important and there a number of support sites and services available to help you deal with and overcome potential gambling problems - find more information on our Responsible Gambling Page.

Going to rehab is the best move for Griffiths right now and there he will receive all the help he needs to get back on his feet and hopefully he'll soon be back doing what he does best, banging in the goals for Celtic. He's a fans favourite at Celtic Park after scoring a hugely impressive 75 goals in 128 league appearances for the club and they showed their support for him with a touching tribute in their 2-1 defeat to RB Leipzig on Thursday night. The home fans revealed a banner which read "It's OK not to be OK, you'll never walk alone Leigh" - watch below: (Courtesy of @BTSportFootball)

Leigh Griffiths' troubles with gambling is one of the most high profile cases at the moment and if you feel like you relate to his current situation, there are plenty of services and people to talk to who can help you overcome them. One that does magnificent work is BeGambleAware, they offer advice on their website on safer gambling and gambling problems, along with confidential help and counselling. If you want to speak to someone directly then they have a National Gambling Helpline Freephone which is accessible 7 days a week from 8am-midnight (0808 8020 133) along with their live online chat - so never feel like you have to suffer in silence.

Another one that does great work are GamCare, who also offer fantastic support for people who find that gambling is affecting. They have online chatrooms, live chat and a confidential helpline which is available to call. It can be difficult to admit or open up about a gambling problem but speaking up to support sites such as GamCare and BeGambleAware are definitely steps in the right direction.

Alongside BeGambleAware & GamCare there are also other support sites that you can speak to for advice:

• Gordon House online at www.gamblingtherapy.org. See www.gordonhouse.org.uk or call 01384 241292 for details of the help and treatment they provide.
• Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk or on 0207 384 3040
• Gam-Anon at www.gamanon.org.uk or on 08700 50 88 80. Gam-Anon deals specifically with friends or family of people who have issues with their gambling.
• The Samaritans at www.samaritans.org.uk or on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) or 1850 60 90 90 (ROI)

For more information please visit our Responsible Gambling Page.