On 1 April 2016, Aston Villa suspended Agbonlahor, pending an investigation into reports that he was pictured appearing to hold a shisha pipe while on holiday in Dubai. On 19 April 2016, he was again suspended after he was allegedly pictured with laughing gas canisters. He was punished with a substantial fine and resigned the captaincy. Agbonlahor failed to impress new manager Roberto Di Matteo in pre-season, and his lack of involvement led to media speculation of a move away from the club. Despite interest from Reading, he turned them down and a move failed to materialise.