‘I’ll battle back over dope rap’
SERGIO RAMOS has hit back at claims that he was involved in a breach of anti-doping regulations.
A report from Der Spiegel on Friday night said the Madrid captain returned a positive test for the glucocorticoid dexamethasone after the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff, but that no action was taken as it was deemed to be due to an ‘administrative mistake’.
The German magazine claims UEFA investigated but it was concluded that a doctor, not Ramos, was at fault for failing to declare dexamethasone’s use. The substance is not banned if its use is declared.
But Ramos said: “That is a very difficult issue, complicated. I must come out and defend myself, with my legal team, against these allegations. I have been through 250 or 300 doping tests over my career, and never failed one, there has never been any irregularity.
“We know the type of publication this is. They threatened us with the news a month and a half ago. When you know the truth, you are not afraid of lies. It is an attempt to stain my image and my professional reputation.”
And Madrid have backed Ramos, saying: “Sergio Ramos has never breached anti-doping regulations.
“UEFA requested specific information and immediately closed the case referred to.”