Sheffield United suspends player after he fails routine drug test
Bruce shocked: Sports Monday.
SHEFFIELD UNITED footballer Jose Baxter has protested his innocence after being suspended by his club for failing a drug test.
A statement from United on Saturday evening said that “traces of a banned substance” were found when 23-year-old Baxter underwent Football Association testing.
The news came just a day after it was announced that Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore had tested positive for cocaine.
Baxter, a midfielder who began his career at Everton, is protesting his innocence.
A statement on Sheffield United’s official website said: “The club has learned that one of its players, Jose Baxter, was found to have traces of a banned substance in his sample following a routine Football Association out of competition drug test.
“The player has informed the club that he engaged in no wrongdoing involving any banned substance. Established policy in these circumstances requires that the club temporarily suspend the player pending further findings.
“The club has taken this step without prejudice to the player’s claim of no wrongdoing. The club will offer no further comment at this stage.”
Wolves goalkeeper Aaron McCarey has also been suspended after failing a drugs test, it emerged over the weekend. A statement from the 23-year-old’s club read: “Aaron McCarey has failed an out of competition Football Association drug test for a non-performance enhancing substance. As a result, the Wolves goalkeeper is now subject to an immediate FA suspension from all competitive forms of football.
“The immediate suspension is a standard procedure whilst the FA’s investigation is concluded.
“Aaron McCarey strenuously denies deliberately taking any banned substance. The club is extremely disappointed and concerned that one of its players has failed a drugs test.
“Neither the player nor the club will be making any further comment whilst the FA investigation is under way and not until the matter has been fully concluded.”
Livermore, 25, has been suspended by Hull and could face a ban of up to two years.