Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former drug smuggler, has returned to the world of football following his release from prison.

The ex-forwards of Arsenal and Ipswich Town spent over ten months of a four-year sentence for orchestrating the import of £600,000 worth of cannabis into the UK at London Stansted Airport, having been incarcerated in June.

Fans voiced their disapproval on social media, accusing AFC Totton, a club in Hampshire, of demonstrating a “significant lack of class” after signing him on Tuesday.

The club has been approached for a statement, while the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) indicated that Emmanuel-Thomas is adhering to “strict” license requirements.

The cannabis stash, valued at £600,000 and transported from Thailand, was found in four suitcases, with authorities seizing 60kg (132lb) of the Class B substance at Stansted Airport on September 2.

Emmanuel-Thomas, who spent the majority of his incarceration—approximately eight and a half months—on remand, was released on July 9 under “strict conditions,” which include an electronically monitored curfew, according to the MoJ.

Under regulations established by the Labour government, eligible prisoners can leave prison after serving 40% of their sentences.

He made his debut for AFC Totton in a pre-season match against Weymouth FC on Tuesday, contributing 45 minutes of play.

In their announcement of his signing before the match, the National League South club expressed its excitement about his addition, stating it was “delighted” to have him.

“Jay will contribute his imposing presence and remarkable technical skills at The Snows Stadium,” the club mentioned in a statement.

The club also highlighted Emmanuel-Thomas’ “experience” of playing in Thailand, where he made connections with the individuals involved in his smuggling operation.

One user on X criticized the club for signing a criminal, calling it “absolutely diabolical,” while another noted that it reflected a “severe lack of class.”

Conversely, some supporters deemed it a “good signing,” praising Emmanuel-Thomas as a “phenomenal player.”

In a post-match interview on AFC Totton’s X account, manager Jimmy Ball complimented Emmanuel-Thomas, referring to him as “a nice kid.”

“We had a discussion earlier in the week, and recalling Jay from his younger days, he was an exceptional talent,” Ball shared.

“He still possesses the hunger and desire, along with a significant physical presence and impressive technical skills.”

Ball expressed enthusiasm about having Emmanuel-Thomas on the team.

His arrest in September led to his dismissal from Scottish club Greenock Morton.

Throughout his career, he has also played for clubs such as Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons, Gillingham, Aberdeen, and Livingston, as well as for the Thai team PTT Rayong and the England youth teams.

In his sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Alexander Mills remarked that Emmanuel-Thomas was the “professional footballer who threw it all away,” declaring, “It is your own actions that have prevented you from being recognized as a professional athlete; instead, you will be known as a criminal.”