Aston Villa have suspended striker Gabriel Agbonlahor pending an investigation into off-field matters.

The action comes following allegations concerning his conduct in a national newspaper.

Agbonlahor, 29, had been out of the immediate first-team picture having been placed on a fitness programme by caretaker manager Eric Black.

This latest Agbonlahor incident, which allegedly took place as Villa were relegated from the Premier League last weekend, comes just weeks after an investigation into his behaviour during a break in Dubai.

No action was taken over that matter but Black later decided the player’s condition was not of the required level and ordered him to follow a personal fitness regime for two weeks.

The matter also brings more fresh turmoil on Villa following their relegation and the shock resignation of two board members on Monday. On the field, the team have lost their last nine games and have been without a manager since parting company with Remi Garde last month.

Amid this ongoing sense of chaos, supporters will continue their protests against owner Randy Lerner during this Saturday’s game against Southampton at Villa Park.

The Aston Villa Protest Group are urging fans to carry on with the ‘Banners out on 74’ campaign in which messages such as ‘Proud History – What Future?’ have been held up for Lerner’s attention.

A statement from the group read: “We are going down without even a whimper, we are rotting from the top down and the fans are suffering desperately.

“This Saturday vs Southampton we are continuing Banners Out on 74. We are imploring all supporters to stand firm with us. Now more than ever it is vital that we are persistent in asking the right questions of our risible owner.”

Meanwhile, former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson remains the favourite for the manager’s position despite the club’s difficulties.