'I am so here for the light relief provided by Maupay'

Neal Maupay’s reputation precedes him. There's no denying he's a fine footballer, but the striker is perhaps better known for the fact he clearly loves a good wind-up.

Many of us probably went to school with a Maupay type. Those who created stories which are retold for years. However, the Frenchman’s exploits are played out in the public eye.

This season alone there's the darts celebration which annoyed James Maddison, getting under the skin of Kyle Walker and, as he was warming up as substitute, kicking the ball away as Cole Palmer was about to take a free-kick.

While commentating on Saturday’s defeat at Burnley, and listening to the television production team's talk back, it was alleged Maupay somehow removed Burnley assistant manager Craig Bellmay's earpiece.

It apparently happened as Mads Roeslev was receiving on-field treatment during the second half. I never got to see any of this footage - if indeed the incident did happen - only images of Thomas Frank calmly ushering his substitute back to the bench.

As I stood waiting to conduct the post-match interviews, which took place close to the team changing rooms, along the corridor Maupay was standing in conversation with team-mate Ivan Toney. I couldn't hear what was being said, but I did clearly see Maupay acting out the motion of removing something from his ear, much to the pair's amusement.

Within the seriousness and high-pressure environment of the Premier League, I am so here for the light relief provided by Maupay's love for all things 'housery'.