Freeman struck off for good

FORMER British Cycling and Team Sky chief doctor Richard Freeman has been permanently struck off the medical register.

A Medical Practitioners Tribunal found Dr Freeman’s fitness to practise impaired on Thursday and on Friday imposed the strongest possible sanction.

Dr Freeman either admitted or was found guilty on 21 of 22 charges relating to the ordering of testosterone to British Cycling headquarters in 2011 as well as poor record-keeping and inappropriate treatment of non-riders.

The central charge, which Dr Freeman denied, was that he ordered the Testogel “knowing or believing” it was to be given to a rider for doping purposes.

Dr Freeman is working as a GP in Lancashire as part of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Freeman said in a statement: “As my legal team has made clear, I disagree vehemently with the determination of the tribunal.

“I have the right of appeal and will now consider that option with the benefit of further legal advice.”

NERVOUS Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg admits he will be firmly outside his comfort zone when he pulls on Finn Russell’s No 10 jersey at Murrayfield today.

The British and Irish Lions full-back will start a Scotland Test at stand-off for the first time as Italy arrive for their Guinness Six Nations clash.

Hogg has brief experience of taking on the playmaking duties – including a midweek tour match with the Lions back in 2013, while he finished last week’s defeat by Ireland in the role after Russell went off with a concussion.

With head-injury protocols meaning the Racing 92 star is now ruled out of facing the Azzurri, coach Gregor Townsend has opted to push Hogg forward to spearhead Scotland’s attack rather than go with Edinburgh’s Jaco van der Walt.

And while the Exeter Chief may be world-renowned for his abilities at 15, Hogg admits he will be shaking in his boots as he steps into Russell’s shoes against the Italians.

He said: “Is there any trepidation? Oh yeah, 100%. I’m really nervous about the game.

“But to get the best out of people