SAK- FUL OF STRENGTH

ROY HODGSON praised Mamadou Sakho’s strength during the defender’s long- standing battle to clear his name after allegations he broke doping rules.

Crystal Palace centre- back Sakho ( above) this week won a libel action against the World Anti- Doping Agency after it repeated incorrect claims about a drugs test taken by the defender – then at Liverpool – in 2016.

The France international was awarded “substantial damages” and won an apology from WADA.

And Palace boss Hodgson said: “This was a very nasty accusation hanging over his head, that he was a drug cheat, especially when he hadn’t cheated at all.

“I think he has been very mature. I think he has been very strong.

“Strong to bring the case and strong to go through all that taking on a case like this means.”

Sakho is set to face Leeds at Selhurst Park today.